Gratitude: Living Each Day as the First and Last
There’s a story about a woman who survived a near-death experience. She often recounted how, after recovering, she would stand barefoot on her lawn every morning and marvel at the dew on the grass. Before, she had never noticed the beauty of a sunrise or the melody of birdsong at dawn. Her perspective on life had shifted irrevocably. “I thought I was just living days,” she’d say, “but now, every day feels like a miracle.”
Two days ago, I passed a firetruck and an ambulance leaving my little neighborhood. It was carrying the body of Bill. Bill was active in running our HOA and we would typically share coffee with a handful of other neighborhood men each Friday morning. Bill had been in particularly good spirits of late and seemingly healthy. He died in his sleep not going to bed realizing that would be his last time. Life is like that.
These stories are not unique. Many of us go through life assuming there will always be another day, another chance, another moment. But what if we approached today—the day unfolding right now—as the only one truly given to us? It’s not just another day. It’s this day. And the only appropriate response to this gift is gratitude.
Gratitude transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Instead of rushing through your routine, it invites you to notice the magic woven into every moment. As philosopher Meister Eckhart famously said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
Imagine beginning your day with this mindset. As you open your eyes, you pause to consider the sheer wonder of waking up. You listen to the quiet hum of the world waking alongside you. Maybe you sip your coffee more slowly, savoring its warmth and aroma. These small acts of mindfulness become profound when infused with gratitude. Each becomes a declaration: I see this life, and I am grateful.
Gratitude isn’t just about noticing what’s pleasant. It’s also about recognizing the beauty in what challenges us. Perhaps the driver who cut you off in traffic tests your patience, but they also remind you of the gift of your safety. The unexpected rain might dampen your plans, but it nourishes the earth. Every moment, even the difficult ones, carries an invitation to grow, to reflect, and to appreciate.
Opening your senses is another powerful way to experience the richness of the present. Have you ever really noticed the texture of a tree’s bark or the way sunlight filters through leaves? Maybe it’s the smell of food or coffee or the sound of a child’s laughter. And every face you encounter holds an incredible story, not just of the person in front of you but of generations before them. When you truly see people—not as obstacles in your day, but as living, breathing repositories of stories and dreams—you elevate the mundane into the sacred. For me, see God or Source Energy in everyone provides me with a sense of awe.
Blessing others through your presence is one of the simplest yet most profound acts of gratitude. Consider how you feel when someone offers you their full attention, their genuine smile, or a kind word. Now imagine extending that same energy to everyone you meet today. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about showing people they are seen, valued, and appreciated. As Maya Angelou beautifully said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Gratitude isn’t a passive feeling—it’s an active way of living that changes how you see the world and how the world sees you. Gratitude is also contagious. When you choose to live with gratitude, it radiates outward, influencing others to do the same. A heartfelt thank-you to a barista can brighten their day, and in turn, they may pass that positivity on to the next customer. These ripples of kindness and connection create a world that feels less harsh and more humane.
If today were the first and last day of your life, how would you live it? Would you rush through it, distracted and discontent, or would you savor it, with eyes wide open to its miracles? The answer seems obvious, but living it takes intention. Gratitude is a practice, not a destination. The more you cultivate it, the more life offers you reasons to be grateful.
This is not just another day. Today is your day. Make it one to remember. It’s a gift—a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will never be repeated. Treat it as such. Show your surprise and delight at being alive. Bless the world with your presence. And in doing so, you’ll find that the world blesses you right back.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon. Through 2025, all proceeds will be donated to charity.
