Start your day by pausing to recognize the gift that it truly is.

Just waking up, taking a deep breath, and having the ability to experience the world are privileges that can be overlooked amid our busy schedules.

Understand this simple truth: Life itself is a precious privilege. So, as you open your eyes each morning, take a moment to feel the air fill your lungs, to appreciate the capacity of your mind to think and plan your day, to savor the morning sun or the quiet before the day begins, and to cherish the opportunity to connect with those you love.

Why rush into your to-do list without first acknowledging the simple, yet profound wonders of being alive?

But how do you hold onto that sense of gratitude as the day unfolds? Make it practical. When you're stuck in traffic, instead of fuming with frustration, look around—do you see the sky changing colors, or can you enjoy a song that you love? When work seems endless, can you find satisfaction in completing a single task? And in the evening, when you finally have time to be with loved ones, are you truly present, listening and sharing, not just physically there but mentally somewhere else?

Consider if you're taking your "normal" life for granted. Could today be an opportunity to breathe a little deeper, think a little clearer, enjoy with a little more gusto, and love just a little bit harder?