Chapter 1: A Lesson in Health

After enduring 2.5 years without contracting it, I finally caught COVID-19, and it took a toll on me for two days. Given the extensive martial arts training I do—spending 6 to 10 hours weekly in close contact with others—it's surprising I hadn't gotten it sooner.

Unlike some who experience mild symptoms, I was laid up for several days, grappling with headaches, body aches, fever, and other unpleasantness. However, this isn't a tale about COVID itself; rather, it has prompted me to reflect on how often I take my health for granted when I’m feeling well.

During my time on the couch, I found myself yearning for simple actions, like getting Tylenol, but moving felt like an overwhelming task. Every step I took sent chills through me, making me feel like Quasimodo from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

In this period of inactivity, I had little choice but to think. I pondered the work I needed to catch up on, my longing to return to training, my desire for an appetite, and the relief of not feeling stiff all over. This experience illuminated a profound truth: life often presents a stark contrast between having and not having.

When you find yourself unemployed, you come to appreciate the value of a job far more than you do when you’re simply going through the motions at work. Similarly, after a tough breakup, you realize how comforting it is to have someone to confide in, far more than when you’re both present but disengaged. When financially stable, thoughts of money fade compared to the worry when living paycheck to paycheck.

This pattern reflects a fascinating aspect of human psychology closely linked to the scarcity principle. Essentially, our brains prioritize scarce resources, deeming the effort to maintain or acquire abundant resources as unnecessary. This tendency to conserve energy is also why working out can feel so daunting.

So, why is it essential to appreciate what we possess?

It revolves around gratitude—recognizing and valuing what we have while understanding the myriad benefits that come from regularly expressing appreciation. These benefits include:

• Enhanced health
• Reduced stress
• Improved resilience in facing challenges
• Stronger interpersonal relationships
• Greater enjoyment of daily experiences

Moreover, fostering gratitude can save you the energy of having to reclaim lost states or possessions in the future.

To help you incorporate gratitude into your life, here are two simple and quick methods:

1. Gratitude Journaling: Spend a few minutes each morning jotting down what you’re thankful for. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just be sincere. It could be for your family, a beautiful sunrise, a comforting cup of coffee, or anything that resonates with you.
2. Mindfulness Training: This method requires a bit more time (around 10 minutes), but the benefits are profound. While you can engage in self-directed practices, many apps like Calm, Headspace, or Waking Up are excellent starting points if you’re new to mindfulness.

Next time you feel indifferent about your life or the things within it, take a moment to express gratitude and observe how, over time, your quality of life can significantly improve.

In summary, our tendency to overlook what we have—until it's gone—is rooted in the scarcity principle of human psychology. By practicing gratitude for our existing blessings, even in small doses daily, we can unlock considerable mental and physical advantages.

Two effective ways to introduce gratitude into your routine are through gratitude journaling and mindfulness training.

I hope this narrative serves you well, and I wish you success in your ongoing pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.