"ابقي عينيك مفتوحتين على نعمك. الرجل الذي ينسى أن يكون شاكراً قد غفل في الحياة."

It's all about gratitude. When you forget to be thankful, it's like you're not fully awake to your own life experience. Imagine going through your day, seeing everything as mundane, not noticing the little good things – the kind smile from a stranger, the unexpected sunny weather, or even just that perfect cup of coffee in the morning. Not appreciating these moments is like sleepwalking through life.

This idea isn't new. For ages, people have been talking about the importance of gratitude. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and philosopher, emphasized being thankful for what you have, as it keeps you grounded and content. Or take more recent history, like during the hardships of the Great Depression. People found ways to be grateful for what little they had, which helped them endure tough times.

Think about a classroom. There's this student, Amy. She’s always stressed, always in a rush, never smiling. One day, her teacher suggests she takes a minute every day to write down three things she's grateful for. At first, Amy thinks it's silly. But she gives it a shot. She starts noting down small things – a funny joke she heard, a homework assignment that wasn’t as tough as she thought, a friend who helped her out. Slowly, Amy starts noticing more positives around her. She feels lighter, happier, more connected with her life.

So, how do you apply this? Start simple. Maybe every night before bed, think of a couple of good things from your day. They don't have to be big. Maybe your bus arrived right on time, or you had a really good conversation with a friend. Or, keep a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. It’s amazing how this small practice can shift your perspective.

Let's look at a relatable scenario. Picture this: you’re stuck in traffic, again. It’s been a long day, and you’re tired. You could grumble the whole way home, cursing the traffic lights and honking cars. Or, you could flip the script. Sure, the traffic's a drag, but maybe this is also some rare quiet time. Maybe it’s a chance to listen to a new podcast, call a friend for a chat, or just enjoy some music. It’s all about your perspective.

Remember when you were a kid and found joy in the simplest things? Running through sprinklers, licking ice cream before it melted on a hot day, or staying up a bit later than usual. That’s the essence of staying awake in life. By keeping your eyes open to your mercies, you’re reconnecting with that childlike sense of wonder and contentment.

So next time you find yourself grumpy or taking things for granted, take a deep breath and look around. Notice the little things. Appreciate them. You’ll find that life feels a lot richer when you’re awake to its everyday blessings. And who doesn't want to feel more alive?