ARE YOU TAKING LOVE FOR GRANTED?

Taking love for granted is something many of us do without realizing it. We often hear the

importance of living in the moment, but how can we do that when we’re weighed down by

worries, regrets, and the fear of repeating past mistakes? This preoccupation with the past and

future can prevent us from truly enjoying the present, leading to feelings of regret as we

compare our lives to what we wish they could be.

My mother used to say,

“If only what comes after had come before.

” This idea resonates with

the tendency to take life, others, and even ourselves for granted. No one wants to wake up onlyto discover that what they cherished—love, friendships, and memories—has vanished. This

realization can trap us in the past, forcing us to dwell on what could have been instead of

embracing the present.

There was a time when I believed that if people truly loved you, they would always be there,

through thick and thin. However, this mindset can lead to regret, especially when we realize

we’ve taken those people, or even ourselves, for granted. At some point, we all overlook

someone or a situation, only to feel their absence later. But what happens when we lose

ourselves in the process of prioritizing someone else’s appreciation? Why do we often place our

self-worth in the hands of others, neglecting our own value? This cycle of seeking external

validation blinds us to our own worth.

If we started to appreciate ourselves authentically, maybe we could reciprocate that appreciation

to others more genuinely. Often, we take ourselves for granted because we believe that as long

as someone else values us, we don’t need to value ourselves. This reliance on external

validation can be unhealthy. We forget to appreciate our presence in the lives of others, and we

may have never learned how to value ourselves.

I’ve taken others for granted, only to realize that I was neglecting my own worth. This journey of

self-discovery has taught me the importance of recognizing my own value. It’s essential not to

judge ourselves for these experiences; making mistakes is part of learning. The beauty of taking

things for granted is the opportunity to understand just how valuable we and others truly are.

Perhaps we should adopt the motto: “Do unto others as you do unto yourself.

” By being mindful

of our inner world, we can recognize when we feel undervalued by others, which may indicate

that we’ve been taking ourselves for granted. It’s a cycle, and we must have the courage to

confront it to transform ourselves.

This process can be challenging; it’s easier to blame others for our feelings of neglect. But

acknowledging our role in this cycle is crucial for personal growth. While it may not be what we

want to hear, it is the truth!