Never take something for granted...

[Consigliere]

I have heard a few people say, never take [something] for granted, and they are generally referring to their own good health, or a parent or loved one being around or something similar.

Whilst I understand that, what do people do after the event, so that they don't take whatever it is for granted?

[P-Jay]

Consigliere said:

I have heard a few people say, never take [something] for granted, and they are generally referring to their own good health, or a parent or loved one being around or something similar.

Whilst I understand that, what do people do after the event, so that they don't take whatever it is for granted?

Do you mean what do they do instead of taking it for granted?

If you don't want to take your health for granted you might take some exercise, eat a little better, have some tests taken to maximise your good health, or do the active things you want to do 'one day' now, whilst you're still able.

If you don't want to take a loved one for granted, you might spend more time with them to maintain that relationship if you're worried, they might grow tired of your assumption or just because you accept, they're mortal like everyone else, and you don't want to regret not spending more time with them.

[iphonedyou]

Consigliere said:

I have heard a few people say, never take [something] for granted, and they are generally referring to their own good health, or a parent or loved one being around or something similar.

Whilst I understand that, what do people do after the event, so that they don't take whatever it is for granted?

Generally it's a reminder to oneself to be mindful of what one has, and the action follows on from that.

I've mentioned on the forum before but my wife was diagnosed with cancer at 34 years old, not long after giving birth to our son. She came through it and I regularly remind myself not to take her, or her health, for granted. This has practical benefits - like putting business stress into perspective and ensuring I focus properly on what really matters. Which is everything outside of work.

Similarly we lost my mother in law a couple of years prior to the foregoing. That was awful and she's missed every day, and as a result I absolutely don't take for granted having my FIL and own parents around. I spend every bit of time with them I can, never say no to helping out, buy the presents I might have held off buying. That sort of thing.

Edited by iphonedyou on Wednesday 8th January 14:37

[dundarach]

You never put off doing things which you know you'll enjoy, but think you'll enjoy more at some future point

e.g.

Going through old photo albums

Going for a pint with a mate\parent\loved one

Watching a movie

Eating a cream bun

Buying a nice car

Going on a nice holiday

Taking an afternoon off work and watching internet porn


Whatever it might be, you do it now with the full understanding you're doing it simply to enjoy it

[MitchT]

Appreciate what's there right now.

One of our cats - a soft, sweet and very affectionate Calico - started showing symptoms of a possible bladder tumour in July last year. Various treatment options were explored and tried but, ultimately, proved fruitless. We made that final and inevitable trip to the vet with her on 28 October. I recall, even before all of this, when she climbed on the bed at least half an hour before I was due to wake up and started headbutting me, I'd think to myself "one day this cat will be gone and you'll really miss these little things", instead of just swiping her off the bed and telling her to leave me alone, as some people might. I savoured every little moment and I'm glad I did.

It reminds me of when Sebastian Vettel was having his winning run with Red Bull and he'd come on over the team radio after a race and tell everyone "these are the good times, they won't last forever".

I think it's having the wisdom to know when you have it good and enjoying it while it's there, whatever "it" may be.

[Spare tyre]

Tell your wife you love her

It’s the little things that make a big difference

Both my wife and I have had cancer and the thought of our kids being parentless breaks my heart

[TUS373]

We found and recovered a stray cat in July. On collection, the owners of the elderly mog saw our young, beautiful cat and commented on how lovely she was. In October she developed oral cancer. She was put to sleep 23rd December....but we did treasure her every minute from the day she arrived.

Wife's friend contacted us yesterday. Went to Christie Hospital in Manchester yesterday expecting to start chemo. Instead, the consultant said chemo was pointless and risky, only like to extend life by a couple of weeks. Instead of curative treatment, they came away with news that they have 2-3 months left. Upsetting for us, and now regret that I did not encourage him to get his RS Turbo back on the road last summer.

Life can change in a moment for you, your loved ones, your pets, your circle of friends. Don't think things like this just happen to other people. Make time, enjoy the moment.

[sidewinder500]

TUS373 said:

We found and recovered a stray cat in July. On collection, the owners of the elderly mog saw our young, beautiful cat and commented on how lovely she was. In October she developed oral cancer. She was put to sleep 23rd December....but we did treasure her every minute from the day she arrived.

Wife's friend contacted us yesterday. Went to Christie Hospital in Manchester yesterday expecting to start chemo. Instead, the consultant said chemo was pointless and risky, only like to extend life by a couple of weeks. Instead of curative treatment, they came away with news that they have 2-3 months left. Upsetting for us, and now regret that I did not encourage him to get his RS Turbo back on the road last summer.

Life can change in a moment for you, your loved ones, your pets, your circle of friends. Don't think things like this just happen to other people. Make time, enjoy the moment.

Oh so true...

[bloomen]

Things that feel like the cornerstone of your life can evaporate in an instant and you never had the chance to fully process, or appreciate it, it until it's absent for all eternity.

That should be a rocket up one's arse to take stock of what's present in your life now and learn how to value it properly. One day it'll be a part of your life that shuts down and never comes back.

[richhead]

Consigliere said:

I have heard a few people say, never take [something] for granted, and they are generally referring to their own good health, or a parent or loved one being around or something similar.

Whilst I understand that, what do people do after the event, so that they don't take whatever it is for granted?

Your loved ones wont always be there, especially older ones, parents etc. trust me you will miss them when they are gone.
Your partner aswell, take time to do things that mean something to them, the smallest thing can mean alot.
One day you will wake up dead as my deceased dad used to say to me, his meaning being, make the best of every day, and the ones you love, one day they wont be there.
Health is very important, god know ive been through the mill, but it all doesnt matter compared to your loved ones, be it family, kids, partner, or even good friends.
the answer is enjoy everyone and every day, you cant go far wrong.