Life is a strange and unpredictable journey. There is no manual, no formula, and no guarantee that the path we choose will lead to success or fulfillment. In fact, it often takes just one misfortune to send us spiraling back to square one. As I reflect on the fragility of life, I am reminded of a recent conversation with a psychologist friend of mine. It was during one of our many exchanges that I was introduced to some of the darker struggles people face, despite their seemingly successful and peaceful lives. The truth is that material wealth and outward success do not always equate to happiness. While some may argue that it’s better to cry in a luxury car than on a bus, I’ve learned that true peace comes from something far deeper—gratitude.
In an intimate forum attended by some of Nairobi’s most prominent figures, my friend shared the startling reality of the inner turmoil that many of these individuals experience. Despite having it all—wealth, fame, influence—some of them are living in unimaginable sadness. It was a reminder that what appears perfect from the outside can be filled with anguish within. The truth is that no amount of success or material wealth can guarantee a peaceful, fulfilling life. More than anything, it has become clear to me that life can be a cold heartless B****. And yet, in the face of all its unpredictability and pain, there is one thing that can bring solace: gratitude.
Gratitude for the little things, the big things, and everything in between can help us live better, more contented lives. Too often, we fail to recognize the small blessings in our daily lives, blessings that others may be praying for. One such blessing is good health. I was recently reminded of this when I visited Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where my partner is interning. Walking through the hospital corridors, I witnessed the raw desperation of families, clinging to the hope that their loved ones would recover. For many, the only thing that mattered was seeing their kin healed. The experience left me deeply moved and profoundly grateful. It was a stark reminder that something as simple as waking up in my own home, healthy and able-bodied, is a luxury others can only dream of.
Health, which so many of us take for granted, is not a given. Twice this year, I have seen family members, who were once vibrant and full of life, lose their independence in the blink of an eye. My grandmother’s case in particular shook me to my core. She was always a hardworking woman, fiercely independent and capable of looking after herself. But within a matter of weeks, her health deteriorated to the point where she could no longer care for herself. It was terrifying to witness this transformation—to see someone who had been a pillar of strength reduced to needing constant care.
I will never forget the moment I sat by her side, trying to express how much I loved her. I wasn’t even sure she understood me at that point, but I needed her to know how grateful I was for everything she had done for me over the years. All the little things—her stories, her warmth, the care she showed me, the food she prepared when I visited—took on a new meaning. Looking back, I realize that these were the moments that mattered most. She taught me the value of hard work, of family, and of appreciating the simple joys in life. Even now, as she rests in peace, I carry her lessons with me, grateful for the time we shared.
My grandfather’s health has also declined in recent years. Once an early riser and a man of incredible energy, he now requires assistance in his daily life. I see him less frequently than I’d like, but we have weekly calls where we catch up. Each time, I appreciate his presence more and more. I know that one day, I may call, and he may not answer. That thought weighs heavily on my heart, but it also pushes me to cherish every moment I have with him now. Life is fleeting, and the moments we share with those we love are precious. We don’t know how long we will have them, so we must embrace the good times while they last.
Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that gratitude is not just about appreciating the grand, life-changing events. It’s about recognizing the small blessings in our everyday lives—the things we often overlook. Being healthy, having a roof over our heads, sharing a meal with family—these are the things that truly matter. And yet, in our pursuit of more, we tend to forget how fortunate we already are.
There’s a popular saying: “Don’t desire someone else’s life. They paid a price you may not be willing to pay.” Many people have sacrificed relationships, health, and personal happiness in their pursuit of success. They have made choices that, while they may seem glamorous from the outside, have come at a tremendous cost. When we look at the lives of others, we often see only the highlights, not the sacrifices they’ve made along the way.
This brings me back to the idea of gratitude. When we start each day with a sense of thankfulness for what we have—however little it may seem—we begin to shift our perspective. Gratitude allows us to focus on the abundance in our lives rather than what we lack. It gives us the strength to keep going, even when life feels like an uphill battle.
So, the next time you find yourself longing for more, take a step back and reflect on the blessings you already have. Visit a hospital, talk to someone who has lost a loved one, or spend time with someone who is struggling. It will remind you that being healthy, having loved ones, and simply waking up each day is a gift. Start your day with a big “thank you,” and go out and fight for your dreams. Life may not always go as planned, but with gratitude, you can find peace in every step of the journey.
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