Appreciating Things We Don't Have Anymore | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Appreciating Things We Don't Have Anymore

We appreciate the things we no longer have and regret not appreciating them in the moment.

111
Appreciating Things We Don't Have Anymore
Passeur de nature

I find myself doing this more often than not nowadays. And I'm sure you all have done it before too.

Appreciating things after you don't have them anymore.

The sudden feeling of sadness that falls over you when you think of everything you took for granted that you no longer have in your life and wishing you could turn back time and start appreciating those things more. I feel like human beings never think to appreciate what we have right in front of us because we don't think about the possibility of never having them again. We don't eat at our favorite restaurant with the expectation that we'll never have the opportunity to eat there again. We don't have a visit with good friends thinking it's the last time we'll ever see them. I mean it's totally understandable why we don't appreciate things until they're gone.

If you think about it, we all have a little optimism within us; even the most negative people on earth have a little optimism burning inside them. The simple act of not assuming you'll never eat at your favorite taco place again is the optimism giving you the reassurance that you will, hence why you may not appreciate it in the moment. This is all totally okay also-why go through life assuming the worst in every situation? That doesn't seem like too much fun now, does it? It makes complete sense why people don't fully appreciate things in the moment.

This is why we don't appreciate things until they are gone. We don't have it anymore and it makes us think. The thing you never wanted to think about happening actually happened and you have to accept it. A good example would be me moving away from my hometown, Pittsburgh, Pa. I never truly appreciated what Pittsburgh had to offer me while I was there because, well, I was living there. I didn't think too much of what I'd be missing when I didn't live there anymore. I could go to my favorite restaurant whenever I was craving it and I could watch every Pirates game with no issue. I never thought about not being able to do that. Now that I live in Florida, I miss Pittsburgh and everything I used to routinely do there specifically because I can't do them here. I appreciate my hometown more than I ever did before because I'm not there anymore and can't get a Primanti Bros. sandwich whenever I want or go to the South Side. It's kind of like everything that used to be routine for me come as such a rarity now.

I guess what I'm getting at is, you never know when something in your life will change or come to end. We shouldn't feel bad about not appreciating something in the moment because we never know when it'll disappear. We'll make ourselves insane thinking about losing everything we love. I think just taking part in the activity is a way of appreciating it without actually knowing that you're appreciating it. Eating at your favorite restaurant is you supporting and appreciating it. Spending time with your friends is you appreciating them. You don't have to think about never having something again in order to appreciate it and you're not taking anything for granted. Just doing it is enough and deep down, you're totally appreciating it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13785
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6010
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4457
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3923
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments