Grateful people often reflect on their day by focusing not just on what they had to do, but on the blessings within those moments.

I had a job. I had errands to run. I visited the gym. I prepared dinner.

And how often do you speak in a less than enthusiastic manner when you tell someone about a day like this?

For many of us, at least during the workweek, I assume this is the norm.

Work and family obligations can take over our lives and make them feel more like duties than opportunities or choices.

Years ago, I vividly recall pausing during a particularly hectic day to remind myself that I had made the decision to stick to the schedule I was.

I had made the decision to rise early to write, take the job that paid me, go to yoga in the evening, and then do washing and other housework.

And I was lucky to be presented with these options.

All of these were activities I got to do, not things I had to do.

In the hours before my paid job, I was able to dedicate myself to my passion, opening up opportunities for the future.

Even though it was not my ideal employment, I was able to support myself by working a job that paid well and offered benefits.

I was able to achieve mental calm and extend my healthy physique.

Additionally, I was able to live in a cozy apartment with clothes and furniture that I had purchased.

I also got to do a lot of other lovely little things in between all of the things I had agreed to accomplish.

I was fortunate enough to awaken to sunlight streaming in through my window. On my route to work, I had the opportunity to pass by buildings, trees, and intriguing people. At lunch, I had the opportunity to sample delectable fare from several eateries. Additionally, typing on my computer allowed me to utilize my hands, which I may have lost due to an accident or tragedy or could have been born without.

Every day, I get to accomplish a lot of things that are worthy of gratitude. Everyone does.

Each of us has the opportunity to engage in activities that test, satisfy, thrill, and energize us. We have too many opportunities to live, love, laugh, and explore to list them all.

I choose to include this as one of the prompts in my recently published gratitude diary because I have always been intrigued by the idea of concentrating on the things we get to accomplish.

This past Sunday, I posted this prompt on Facebook to see what kind of responses I would get. A staggering list of blessings was compiled by more than 1,500 contributors, many of which we all take for granted.

I choose to share a sample of those responses here because I was moved and motivated by the list.

I Appreciate That Every Day I Get To…

Health

1. Breathe, Shelley White. After my own lungs collapsed nine years ago, I was given donor lungs. Cystic Fibrosis is what I have. I am thankful to be alive just because I get to wake up every day knowing that I can spend another day with my family. I value life.
2. VanTassel McHugh, Kristi: Get up. Almost two years ago, I underwent open heart surgery to fix an aortic aneurysm and replace a malfunctioning aortic valve. I was informed at the time of my initial diagnosis that “the aneurysm will burst and you will die if it is not treated quickly.” I waited a little more than six months for my operation, and that was two days before Christmas. Every day I feel grateful to still be here.
3. Be alive, GusandMaggie Nosce. I was told I would require a heart transplant by the time I was four years old because I was born a congenital heart patient (blue baby). By God’s grace, I have never required one, despite the fact that the open heart surgery I had when I was a baby is no longer recommended or practiced.
4. Manal Khatib: After a severe vehicle accident eight months ago, I am grateful that I can walk. I had to relearn how to walk every day. I now value and treat my body with kindness as a result of this trip.

5. Stand and walk, Laina Amarantinis. As the recovery process continues, I am finally able to walk and stand more after undergoing three spine surgeries. Thank you very much.
6. Mary Beth Hudson: Enjoy my family’s company. Others in my family were not as fortunate as I was in my fight against cancer.
7. Move my body, Linda Otto. I have no trouble walking, running, lifting, bending, etc. Many people are unable to do this. As we age, it may be taken away gradually or all at once. Your hearing, vision, and health are never sufficiently valued.

Friends and Family

9.        Anna Hunt: Take some time to spend with my kid. She is going to college soon, so I will not be able to see her. I feel warm within when I hear her giggle and know she is in the next room. I am grateful that I get to see her every day.
10. Amy Albinger: Spend time with my loved ones. Spend time with my sister, niece, spouse, and parents. I am alive today because of them. They give me the motivation to overcome every obstacle. They are what love means to me.
11. Riddhi Solanki: Since my current job is not in my birthplace, I enjoy that my parents and friends call. To keep me from feeling even more alone, they give me a call and chat with me.
12. Niquita LeValdo: My child wakes me awake. He had surgery when he was two months old due to a heart issue that was present from birth. I get a fresh perspective and learn to cherish each moment when I consider that he might not have been here today. Praise, love, and adore your children.
13. Lillivette Colón: Hold on to my baby for another day. Every day is a triumph.

13. Tezra Blake: I am grateful every day to witness and hear my two kids develop into amazing men, and that they do not feel embarrassed to tell me they love me and to inquire about my well-being. They still want my input on things, even if they are getting older.
14. Have the memories of my husband and sweetheart in heaven, says Laurel Hausafus.
15. Cheryle Midgett: Enjoy another day with my mother, who is 94 years old.
16. Anika Bruce: I get to give my family hugs every single day. Hugs are life-changing, which is why I adore them.
17. Nicole Werner-Sayre: ‪ Remain at home to nurture the small human being I made and see her develop into a responsible adult.
18. Laurie Clemons: Say “I love you” and give a hug. We should all hear it more.
19. Dawn Creason: I never imagined having the most adorable little daughter, but now I get to read and cuddle with her. I get to play with her and listen to her laugh.
20. Fiona James: Awaken content and healthy, surrounded by my amazing family. There are far too many people without that luxury.

Needs and Comforts

21. Elizabeth Sheriff: I have a family nearby, food, fresh water, and a home over my head.
22. Kathy Kellermann: Especially during the cold months, have a bed to climb into and a warm shower.
23. Jessica Grandelli: Consume food that keeps me alive and nourished. Living in an area with abundant food is a blessing.
24. Jacinta Harrington: Read the newspaper and sip on a cup of coffee.
25. Caroline Driver: Drink water directly from the faucet and eat anything I want.
26. Marsha Frakes Waggoner: Take my dog for a stroll on the grass and take in the trees.
27. Heather Demick: See the world from my perspective.
28. Yvonne Hernandez: Make a home for yourself.
29. Alice Louise Pocock: I see with my eyes, I listen with my ears, and I adore.
30.  Xuandai Hoang: Take a seat face my candle and unwind.
31. Dishes at Enchari Rivadeneira. It indicates that I have a kitchen, food, and family to share, and I succeeded. Whatever occurred, I survived another day. Dishes are a lovely thing.
32. Cunningham, Chloe Sarno: Complete all household chores in a single day. Oh, the house is clean!
33. Tammy Pillsbury: I can rest easy knowing that I have a house over my head, food to eat, a rewarding career, a loving husband, family and friends I cherish, and the outdoors right outside my door.
34. Danielle Yingling-Lowrey: Spend time with my children, tend to my flowers, cook, sip coffee, be a friend, be a neighbor, be a mother, be a wife, be a daughter, drive my car, take care of my house, laugh, read, smile at people, and so much more!
35. Nicola Wood: Get up, be myself, and recognize my true blessings!
36. Steve Kenney: Not experiencing the agony of severe thirst or starvation. having air conditioning and a roof over my head. a small group of people that genuinely care about me for me, not for what I can provide or do for them. not experiencing poor health. That is all. Everything else does not matter.

Possibilities

38. Gena Pegg: I am grateful for the opportunity to act morally every day.

39. Bani San: I am grateful for the ability to wake up each day and live the life I desire.

40. Jayne Duncan Stites: I value the opportunity to start over every day!

41. Jim Zei: Give yourself another chance to put things right, whatever that may be.

42. Lechenda Crichton: I have one more chance to improve upon yesterday’s performance.

43. Sherelle Myers: Do whatever I want with my body and functional limbs!

44. Derbyshire’s Angela Charlwood: Practice making wiser decisions.

45. Linda May Knowles: To grow from my blunders from the previous day.

46. Wizz Tomo: I like the opportunity to learn something new every day.

47. Ashley Glenn: To live and enjoy every moment of each new day.

48. Amy Brock: Take a breath and carry on your everyday tasks. I was not able to perform both as well at one point.

‪49. Herb Daum: I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a more compassionate world every day.

Melissa Milligan: Come on in. Not everybody survived the night. Appreciate that you are still alive.

cherish the fact that I get to

What would you do to complete this sentence?