"'Cause you never think the last time's going to be the last time. You think there will be more. You think you have forever, but you don't." – Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy

Love. Relationships. Family. Education. Each day, the majority of us come across each of the four things listed despite the environment that surrounds us. Each of those things is just subtle aspects of our lives that maybe we don't really ever think much of. What would our lives be without the ability to love one another?

What would life be like without friendships and close ties with family members? Where would we be without our education and the ability to expand our knowledge? We are all so fortunate to experience life the way we do, to be able to live out our freedoms and do the things that make us happy, but here we are, overlooking the fact that maybe these everyday aspects hold more value than we truly realize. Here are 8 facets and individuals that deserve more appreciation than we give them...

1. Pets

Coming home from a long day to my dogs greeting me at the door is something I look forward to everyday. I could have had the worst day in the world but seeing two happy pups ready for love is something that could never fail to put a smile on my face.

We take for granted our pets being around and don't realize until the very end that their lifespan isn't as long as ours and that we cannot keep them forever. Yes they may make a mess, chew your shoes, take a potty break in the house sometimes, etc., but they will always be a loyal companion.

Never forget to show them love, play with them, buy them toys, give them treats, and make sure that they are as happy as they make you. Having regrets once a pet has passed is a heartbreaking feeling.

2. Mom and Dad

Growing up, my mom and dad provided me with every opportunity imaginable. From allowing me to play club sports (which many club athletes know is not cheap), to pushing me to do my very best in school to put me in the position I am in today, they have dedicated their lives to making sure that I am happy.

We, as our parents' children, don’t necessarily realize the immense amount of love that comes with the annoying sounds of their voices constantly telling us to do things such as our schoolwork and getting jobs. Our parents are the first people to teach us what love really is.

Instead of getting annoyed over the long “be safe, watch where you’re going, don’t drive too fast, wear your seatbelt, remember to call me when you get where you’re going, and don’t text and drive” spiel before you get in the car, appreciate the fact that unconditional love and care they have never failed to provide you with.

3. Siblings

Though we don't all have them, siblings and the bonds you create with them are really something special. Technically, you are forced to love them because they are your family, between you love them genuinely, there is a connection that is unlike any other.

Being an older sister, my brother has always been someone I always look out for. Whether it be making sure he's feeling okay or saving him from drowning in a pool while on vacation (true story), I've always been very protective.

Though in my earlier teenage years we grew slightly apart due to my absorbance in technology, we have rekindled the relationship that was meant to be. I took his love for granted and spent more time talking to friends who now, I am no longer even friends with.

Don't jeopardize a bond with your sibling(s) for technology (or anything for that matter). The text can wait. If your friends are really your friends, they won't get mad that you put your phone down for an hour to spend some quality time with someone who deserves it.

4. Best Friends

Friends are definitely something to appreciate. Now, I don't mean the people who you just hang around to pass time, they're great and all, but I'm talking about the friends that truly are earn that 'best friend' title.

My best friend has been my support system throughout my entire life. Though we have gone months without speaking, when we talk, it feels as though we never stopped. Through the difficult (now suppressed) middle school years and emotional four years of high school, I can say 100% that she has helped me through it all.

Despite the fact that she moved before high school and we currently live over 2,000 miles apart, she always has my back. Friends that you can speak to without having to worry about judgment are rare. Keep these people close to your heart and never take their friendship for granted.

5. Human Connections

The feeling when you genuinely relate and connect your values and emotions to those of another individual is one so uniquely indescribable. We constantly meet new people on a daily basis and simply being able to communicate with them and learn about who they are as individuals is something to appreciate.

Having the ability to form relationships with people whom you cross paths with provides you with the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the things that you need in your life. When meeting people we build connection off of attraction to body, mind, heart, and spirit. It is simply amazing how such attraction can lead to important ties with individuals who can change our lives forever.

Since we connect with people on an everyday basis, we don't recognize the true beauty in the simplicity of creating these bonds.

6. Mutual Love

Though an aspect of human connection, love is something bigger than just a subdivision of relationships. Love is something that we develop for people and things that we truly could never live without.

I find love within my family, my best friend, and one insanely special person who has never failed to make me feel alone. The majority of us have heard the saying 'when you know, you know'. This can be applied to many different things, but I feel as though it goes hand and hand with love.

You know when someone is meant to be in your life, and when they know that you are meant to be in theirs, life is given a new meaning. This connection that you share with said individual is one that can never be broken despite how bad circumstances may get. To be lucky enough to love and be loved is something overlooked by many.

Don't take advantage of the fact that somebody loves you. Never forget to show you care and stay consistent. Many individuals struggle to find this mutual love and to have obtained it is a feeling ever so comforting.

7. Education

Most of us dread waking up early to go to school. We dread homework assignments and studying that comes with the responsibility of being a high school/college student. The amount of times I have heard the words "I hate school" (I'm also guilty of saying this myself) is uncountable.

Reflecting on the things I have taken for granted, I realized how fortunate I am to receive an education and build upon prior knowledge. Individuals in some countries do not reap the benefits of being able to be informed about the world and the existence of culture other than their own. Without my education, I would not be on the path to success that I am currently on.

A life without the knowledge I currently have is something unfathomable and I am forever thankful to have been given the opportunity to learn and make something of myself through my education.

8. Life Itself

People tend to take for granted the idea that life is a one time thing. I personally stress myself out over things that really won't matter weeks or even days after the time I stress. We only get a limited amount of time on this Earth and we are all trying to make something of ourselves, so theres no time to waste.

No one ever really thinks that its going to be their last day and because of this, they may not live in the moment. When you're not living in the momment you may not say your 'I love yous' and you may forget to give that kiss goodbye.

Live, care and love in the moment. Appreciate the things you have each day and do the things you love so that when the time comes to reflect, you have no regrets.

Too many people expect that everything they have today is going to be there tomorrow and that is not always the case. End every day knowing that if it were your last, you would be proud of your accomplishments and satisfied with the way you've lived your life.