(And Everything Else We Don’t Notice)

First published 29 March 2026

I’ve read a book last week where the main character loses her sight in an accident. It’s been days since I turned the final page, and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Not because of the story itself – it wasn’t one of those books that leaves you with a ‘book hangover’, but because of the question it forced me to ask myself: What am I taking for granted?

Since reading it, I’ve been catching myself mid-moment – watching telly, flicking through a book, driving to the shops, framing a photo on my phone, mixing colours for my watercolour attempts – and thinking, “I couldn’t do this without my eyes.”

And honestly?

I don’t even want to go there.

The thought of life without sight feels too enormous, too impossible to imagine.  How much would be different.  How much I simply wouldn’t be able to do.

But here’s what’s really stayed with me: the author’s portrayal of how creative the character had to become in her “new normal.”  How she found different ways to experience the world.  How she learned to notice things she’d previously overlooked – textures, sounds, the warmth of sunlight on skin. She became more present because she had to, and so much braver too!

The Gratitude We Forget

It’s made me wonder what else I’m taking for granted.  My hearing.  My ability to walk.  The fact that I woke up without pain this morning.  The luxury of hot water, and in this weather – central heating!  The people who’ll answer when I call.

The Liver meridian governs our eyes and our vision – both literal and metaphorical.  When this meridian is balanced, we see clearly, we plan effectively, we envision our future.  But we can also develop what I’ve heard being called “gratitude blindness” – we stop seeing what’s right in front of us because it’s always been there.

The Heart chakra, our centre of love and appreciation, thrives on gratitude.  When we actively acknowledge what we have, we strengthen this energy centre and create a genuine sense of wellbeing that no amount of striving for “more” can match.  So when it comes to gratitude, it doesn’t have to be ‘cringe’ or a chore, it just has to be something you notice and are appreciative of.

A Simple Practice

So here’s what I’m inviting you to do this week – not as a task, but as a gift to yourself:

Take a few quiet moments to think about what you’re taking for granted.

Not to spiral into anxiety about losing it, but to genuinely appreciate that you have it right now.  Your senses.  Your abilities.  Your people.  Your ordinary, unremarkable, absolutely extraordinary daily life.

Maybe even say thank you out loud.  To the universe, to your body, to whatever you believe is listening.

Because gratitude isn’t just a nice feeling. It’s a practice that rewires how we experience everything.

What are you grateful for today?

With appreciation to you for reading,

Angela.

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The book was a reminder that presence isn’t just about mindfulness – it’s about truly seeing what’s already here.

Even if it was a bit silly since her ‘guide dog’ ended up being a wolf shifter who was in hiding.  Just goes to show, we can find a lesson anywhere 😉 even in the ridiculous!