One of the most profound yet underacknowledged aspects of your existence is the fact that you exist at all.
English philosopher Douglas Harding talks about having “sheer gratitude for having occurred,” remarking that “you know, it’s the very last thing, isn’t it: we feel so grateful for having happened. You know, you needn’t have happened. You needn't have happened. But you did happen.”
As you go about your day and encounter any number of life’s joys and inconveniences, consider the fact that — by some cosmic miracle — you get to exist and experience them at all.
You happened.
All the people you care about: they happened.
And for a brief period in time, you get to happen together.
What a truly profound thing to recognize, embrace, and celebrate.