A couple of years ago I went to Italy to help my sis with her first born. I was with her for 3 some weeks and never saw anything but four walls. We never even got carry out! When the baby was born I wasn’t included in the religious service because we are of a different faith (I guess), some excuse! Of all the photos that were share I was never in any. When the friends came to visit I was ushered out. All I can say is I hope to God I never made my mother feel the same. I know I was no angel. So much for being taken for granted.

i take for granted that the day will begin as usual, the washer will work for its umpteenth load of laundry, there will be hot water for a shower and my pets will greet me with their unconditional love (as i hold their morning food in my hands). all else is appreciated - my two sons’ daily phone calls, my mother’s health at 75, my hard earned position and the fact that being on the road traveling brings me home safe. i adore my grandchildren and the fact that i can see life in new eyes, that my dinner concoctions (watch too much food network) are met with aaahhs! i feel a lift in my heart as i drive on to the new property i manage and see employees with a smile and a wave. the seeds i plant in my shed are earmarked in a journal for reading after im gone and welcomed with a smile. i appreciate the men my sons have become and have a moment of pride every time i see their smiling faces. i remember with love those who have passed and never regret a moment spent with them. i take little for granted…at age 53 im grateful for it all.

absolutely nothing..ever…

I used to be the type of person who was never satisfied. Now, I always see the glass half full. I am so grateful for all my blessing. If I feel bad then ,reach out and be kind to some body else. That always makes me feel better.

Born and raised in America and all that it has to offer. I viewed a documentary on CNN on Women in Iraq and MY GOSH. Geez! I take for granted and am totally not appreciative to be a black female born and raised in America. Lots wrong here. Lots right.

My health, I have noticed things going on with me physically that I have basically allowed to happen because of my sedintary life, sitting at the computer working, playing, watching tv, and basically not being involved in some sort of exercising, now all of that is catching up with me, I am tired all the time, short of breath going up and down stairs, and basically just feeling bad. If I had not taken my health for granted, I would probably be in better shape than I am now.

That my best friend will always be there and my health.

I took my great singing voice for granted for years until, one day over 2 years ago, I simply knew I had to sing again and so found a choir and a whole new musical path. I’d stopped singing in the early 90’s at a time when it wouldn’t earn me a living, so I became a filmmaker, writer and actor “instead” and have made a fair living at those endeavors. But now that I’ve seen the looks on people’s faces when I sing, I know I’ve taken it so much for granted all my life that I’ve denied not only my listeners the joy of hearing this amazing instrument God gave me, but I’ve denied myself the joy of just plain singing my heart out. Please, ladies, don’t ever take your amazing gifts for granted — they too can be gone as quickly as the roofs over our heads, the meals on our tables and the loves of our lives. As that old Staples Singers’ tune says, “express yourself.” Indeed. The joy of it all. That’s what I live for now — the sheer joy of it ALL! Sally Champlin

I have learned to live in a state of gratitude. I don’t take anything for granted! I am grateful for my husband, my daughter and 2 sons, for all my family even those I don’t care to hang around with, my health, my body, my house, my annoying sister, my opinionated friend, the air, and the flowers, and for all the wonderful things that the universe has provided and will be sending my way!

Me I take myself for granted. And it’s a shame, because I am the only me, I got.

I take them for granted : I am young enough and just mature a little, so I could hold the dreams of the life. I am a little child in my parents’ eyes and a knowledgable lady in my friends’ minds. I am living a world full of challenge and chance to prove my value to the society. I am not rich but I am not poor that I could accept the further education without living a hard life. I am never worried about my diet whether contains too much fat or not, I just like to eat what I like. I have health parents and they love me very much!