28 Things Americans Take for Granted—But Shouldn’t

If you’ve never traveled outside of the United States, it’s easy to take the country's conveniences for granted. However, once you visit a foreign country, your perspective broadens and you realize all of the things you have to be grateful for. I try to leave the country at least once every two years because it provides me with a fresh perspective on my life at home.

There are so many things that I, and we as Americans in general, take for granted. We are truly lucky to live in such a beautiful and free world. Here are 28 things, some comical and others serious, that Americans take for granted—but shouldn’t.

1. Running water
2. Hot running water
3. Electricity!
4. Grocery stores stocked with food
5. Corner stores that are open 24/7
6. Stores that are open on Sundays
7. Toilet paper and clean bathrooms
8. Sidewalks and functioning paved roads
9. Cars, public transportation, and Uber
10. The college experience
11. Drugstores
12. Feminine hygiene products
13. The freedom of choice. Choices are everywhere, from diverse restaurants to abundant shopping destinations.
14. Red Solo cups
15. Three meals a day
16. A shower that works
17. A roof (that doesn’t leak) over your head
18. A bed (and not a clay or soil floor) to sleep on
19. A cellphone
20. A room or space to call your own
21. A job
22. A backyard that isn’t filled with street or safari animals
23. Hospitals to go to in an emergency
24. Garbage trucks
25. Televised sporting events
26. Public schools
27. Starbucks
28. The military, police, and firefighters

Remember: “Learn to appreciate what you have before time makes you appreciate what you had.”

Want to practice more gratitude in your daily life? Start keeping a gratitude journal.

What do you take for granted but shouldn’t?