The road to 2025 was a bumpy one. Last year was filled with setbacks and heartache. That's why when I first started writing this piece I was planning to rant on and on about all the things that went wrong for me in 2024. But it didn't take long to realise that wallowing in the negativity was taking a toll on my psyche. So I decided to make a mental u-turn and instead focus on the five things that I'm always grateful for, no matter how dark things get. 

My Mom 

I couldn't write about the positive things in my life and not start with my mom, the person who keeps everything together.

There's something uniquely powerful about having people in your corner. A supportive environment is like a safety net that gives you the courage to take risks and dream bigger. Mothers can be both your biggest fan and your most honest critic, knowing exactly when you need a gentle push or a warm hug. They carry your worries as their own, celebrate your smallest victories like you've won an Olympic gold medal, and somehow always know when you need them the most - even before you do. 

This kind of unconditional support shapes not just who we are, but who we become. It's the gift that keeps giving, building the kind of inner strength and confidence that stays with you even in your darkest times. 

Having Free Healthcare 

Health isn't a luxury, but a right. At least, it should be. Having to worry about medical bills is the last thing anyone needs when medical issues arise. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that you can walk into a free clinic or hospital in my country without being faced with life-altering medical debt is truly immeasurable. 

Being Born In a Free Country 

Living in peace is a privilege whose value becomes crystal clear when we take a look at both history and current events. Greece understands this deeply, having lived through difficult times like the military junta between 1967-1974. 

Today, being able to walk freely in the streets, express opinions without fear of persecution, and sleep without the sound of air raid sirens is not something to take for granted. This becomes even more evident when witnessing the devastating human cost of war elsewhere. Whether it's the refugee crisis in Syria after more than 13 years of civil war under Assad's dictatorship or what the UN Human Rights Office and others have described as genocide in Gaza, where over half of the verified victims are women and children. 

Having A Roof Over My Head 

Having a place to call home is one of life's most fundamental yet precious gifts. It's the cornerstone for everything else in life. It's having a safe space to rest your head at night, a warm haven to retreat to when the world feels overwhelming, and a place where you can truly be yourself. When you have a roof over your head, you don't have to face the daily uncertainty that hundreds of millions of people experiencing homelessness must endure. Wondering where you'll sleep or how you'll stay warm. It's the difference between focusing on survival and being able to plan for the future. 

Having a home is a basic human right that everyone deserves but not everyone has. It's a reminder that what might seem basic to some is actually an incredible blessing that affects every aspect of daily life.

Meeting a Lot of Kind People Willing to Help 

I'm a bit of a 'Debbie Downer', and I have, to quote Tony Soprano, "a certain bleak attitude about the world." That's why I was pleasantly surprised when I realised just how many people helped me in their own way this past year. There's something profoundly touching about discovering the goodness in people when you need it most. 

These encounters reminded me that we're not alone in our struggles. Whether it's someone who took the time to listen when I needed to vent or offered guidance when I was lost. These people could have easily walked past or looked away, but instead, they chose to care, to help to the best of their ability.

Some may see gratitude as one of the countless snake oil self-help fads that come and go, but studies have shown that practicing gratitude has multiple benefits. It promotes better sleep, strengthens relationships, and even improves physical well-being. According to a meta-analysis of 70 studies, there's a strong correlation between lower levels of depression and higher levels of gratitude. 

In a world that constantly beats and tears us down, choosing gratitude is a radical act. Whether it’s appreciating small daily moments or recognizing the people who enrich our lives, gratitude reminds us what truly matters.