One of the best things on the internet recently is the videos of folks from Europe, Australia, Japan, and all over the world here for the World Cup. I tend to avoid social media as all the constant negativity stresses me out, but the other day, I spent almost two hours scrolling on Instagram. I saw people marvelling about yellow school buses, completely amazed by free refills or free chips and salsa at restaurants, appreciating conveniences like paying at the pump, enjoying Texas barbecue, taking over bars in Boston with loud Scottish singing, expressing excitement despite struggling with English, being in complete awe of American beauty, or being astonished by strong air conditioning.
I was amazed that the more of these videos I watched, the more I kept seeing. The algorithm was actually working in a positive way! I was shocked. And it made me consider what “ordinary” things I might be taking for granted.
In thinking about this–and in light of America’s 250th birthday–I couldn’t help but express my gratitude for this country. Yes, I know we are still a work in progress, and we do have a lot of work to do, but let’s also consider that there is so much to be grateful for about living in America. We have the freedom to express ourselves however we want to, to support issues that we care about, and the freedom to love whoever we want to among other things.
But no matter where you live, this is arguably the best time to be alive. There have been so many advances in technology and health, people are living longer than ever before, it’s easier to travel and connect with others throughout the world than it’s ever been, and we all have access to whatever information we want.
I am constantly seeing posts that are so negative about 2026. And yes, it’s true that there are a lot of issues currently. Some days, life does feel extremely fragile. And some days, it feels like there is just too much to worry about. But we also have so much to be grateful for. It is possible to appreciate the current time and place you are in AND see that there are still issues to be concerned about. Both things can be true.
So wherever you live, I encourage you to spend some time focusing on what you appreciate about living where and when you do. Because yes, there is still much work to do, but it's also true that there has been enormous progress. And yes, there may be people who don’t have the basics, and we should do what we can to ensure that everyone has enough to eat, clean water, electricity, healthcare, etc. But it's also okay to appreciate what you have.
Appreciate the oxygen you breathe. Appreciate your next meal. Appreciate the people in your life that you love. Appreciate the electricity and internet that is allowing you to read this. Appreciate that you have the ability to read this.