20 Everyday Blessings You Might Be Overlooking

It’s easy to forget how many good things we have in our daily lives that others around the world may never have. The simple things we often don’t notice, like owning a car or having clean clothes, are things that millions around the world cannot afford.

Take hot running water, for example. It’s something most of us don’t think about, yet according to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people still don’t have safe drinking water, let alone the comfort of a hot shower.

Why is this important? Because the systems we use for these comforts, like energy, transportation, and basic utilities, use a lot of resources and are not good for the environment. Not paying attention to these good things can lead to more inequality and harm to the environment.

In this article, we’ll explore common luxuries that many take for granted and highlight why they’re more of a privilege than we might realize.

Do you ever wonder what life would be like without the comforts you rely on every day? Sit back and relax, and by the end, you might just see your daily routine in a whole new light.

Owning a Car

While cars are often seen as a standard for transportation, owning a vehicle remains a luxury for a lot of people. In regions with developed public transportation networks, owning a car is less of a necessity and more of a convenience. 

Though, in rural areas, a car can be a lifeline to access essential services like grocery stores, healthcare, and employment. Globally, only a small percentage of people have the means to afford a personal vehicle. 

The costs associated with owning a car, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, can be prohibitive. In some areas, a car symbolizes freedom and financial stability, but it remains an unattainable goal for many.

Especially in developing countries where infrastructure and income levels don’t support widespread car ownership.

Quality Sleep and Peace of Mind

Quality sleep is an understated luxury that many people fail to recognize. With the stresses of modern life, getting restful sleep can be hard, yet it is needed for our bodies. 

Those who enjoy peaceful sleep are often unaware of how fortunate they are compared to others. There are many people that struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or living in environments where peace is hard to come by.

Peace of mind, which contributes significantly to good sleep, is another luxury that is not always accessible. The ability to go to bed without worrying about financial stress, or even personal conflicts is something people don’t realize is a blessing. 

Around the world, conflict, poverty, and insecurity make restful sleep a rare commodity, highlighting just how fortunate those with peace of mind truly are.

Hot Running Water

Hot running water is one of those luxuries that many people don’t realize is a privilege. In most developed countries, it’s taken for granted, but many people around the world, access to hot water is a luxury. 

This resource makes basic hygiene and everyday comfort much easier, allowing for warm showers, clean clothes, and heated dishes. Yet, the systems that provide it often rely on energy-intensive infrastructure, primarily fueled by non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.

Historically, widespread access to hot running water only became common after World War II, when advancements in economic growth allowed more households to install hot water heaters. Before that, the idea of running a hot bath or having warm water at the turn of a faucet was unthinkable for most. 

Today, hot water is embedded so deeply in daily life that its absence would make you feel life is hard. Even with its relatively recent availability for the majority of people.

Personal Privacy

In today’s connected world, personal privacy is a luxury that many people don’t think about. It’s getting harder to go through your day without being watched or followed all the time.

Social media, data collection, and surveillance tools are making it harder to know what’s public and what’s private. People who can keep their personal information safe and set limits might not see how important privacy is right away.

Many people live in places where the government watches them or they get work messages all the time. Being able to decide who knows about your life and personal details is a freedom that many people don’t realize they’re losing.

Fresh, Unpolluted Air

For 99% of the global population, they breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants. Urban environments, especially in low- and middle-income countries suffer the most. 

Smog, vehicle emissions, and factory output have degraded the quality of air. This makes it difficult for residents to breathe without concern for their health. In contrast, those who live in rural areas may not think twice about the clean air they breathe. 

They wake up to crisp mornings and spend time outdoors without considering the luxury of it. For millions of others, air purifiers and indoor spaces are the only options to mitigate the pollution in their environment.

Having a Home

Having a stable home is often overlooked as a luxury in modern life, especially in societies where home ownership is common. A home offers not just shelter but also a sense of security, identity, and belonging. 

While it might seem ordinary to some, millions of people worldwide face housing insecurity, be it due to economic hardship, displacement, or natural disasters. Beyond the physical structure, a home provides emotional comfort. 

It is a space where people can feel safe, relax, and establish routines. For those who always had a home, it can be difficult to grasp how hard living without one can be. 

It’s not just about having four walls and a roof but about the peace and stability that come with it.

Time to Relax

Having time to relax is a real luxury that many people don’t think about. In today’s busy world, people often give up their free time to stay productive when they are under stress.

Some people are always busy with work, family, and other duties, leaving little time to take care of themselves or just relax. People who have time for hobbies, vacations, or quiet nights might not realize how important relaxation is.

In many places, people work long hours just to get by, and having time for themselves can seem like something they can’t have. Having free time is a quiet privilege that people often don’t appreciate until they lose it.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Reliable Electricity

According to a 2021 report from the International Energy Agency, around 760 million people worldwide still live without access to electricity. In countries with unstable infrastructure, power outages are frequent, leaving people without light, refrigeration, or heat for extended periods. 

For these individuals, electricity is a precious resource that cannot always be counted on. In developed countries, electricity is so reliable that most people hardly notice it until there’s a rare blackout. 

Daily tasks like charging a phone, watching television, or simply turning on the lights are second nature. The luxury of dependable power not only supports modern conveniences but also ensures safety and stability, aspects of life that many around the world cannot always access.

Access to Fresh Food

Access to fresh, nutritious food is another luxury that is often taken for granted. In many parts of the world, food deserts make it difficult for people to find affordable, fresh produce.

Instead, unhealthy options are often the only available choices, leading to a host of health problems. For those with regular access to farmer’s markets, organic grocery stores, or even home-grown gardens, the luxury of fresh food is a part of daily life. 

The wide range of food options highlights the gap between those with healthy diets and those without due to constraints.

Education

Education is a very important thing that people often do not appreciate. In many rich countries, basic education is normal, and higher education is more common, though it still costs a lot.

Many people think going to school and getting a degree is normal, but opportunities are limited around the world. In poorer areas, children often have to work instead of going to school. Even when education is available, things like books, good teachers, and safe places to learn are hard to find.

The chance to learn and grow in knowledge is a luxury that can lead to a better life, but for many people, it is still not possible.

Access to Public Spaces

People often take for granted the luxury of accessing safe and well-maintained public spaces. Parks, libraries, and community centers provide places for people to relax, socialize, and exercise, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life. 

In many urban areas, neglect, safety issues, and a lack of public spaces fail to meet population needs. For those who live in cities with abundant green spaces and recreational facilities, the luxury of having somewhere peaceful to go outside their homes can seem like a basic right.

Yet, not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy these amenities, particularly in underprivileged or overcrowded areas. The ability to walk through a clean, well-kept park or visit a local library is a privilege that many might not realize they have.

Access to Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare is a profound luxury that remains out of reach for billions of people globally. For individuals living in countries with universal healthcare or excellent private insurance, the ability to see a doctor or receive medical treatment is something they can easily take for granted. 

Yet, in other parts of the world, a simple doctor’s visit can be financially crippling, or medical facilities may be miles away and under-equipped. The contrast between those who can afford regular check-ups, preventative care, and emergency services, and those who cannot, is stark. 

Healthcare in remote areas often relies on makeshift clinics or non-profit organizations’ treatments. Simply knowing you can access medical care when you need it is a privilege many don’t fully appreciate.

30 Ways to Save on Prescription Medications

Safe Streets

Living in a safe area is often not appreciated by people who have never faced serious crime or danger. In many places, people can walk safely at night, let their kids play outside, and feel safe in their neighborhoods. Safety lets people relax and enjoy their surroundings without always worrying about violence or theft.

In some parts of the world, going outside can feel dangerous, and people always worry about their safety. For those living in these places, daily life means being careful and alert all the time, something others never think about.

Safe streets give people peace of mind and the freedom to live without fear, a benefit that is often not noticed.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is a foundational right in many countries, but it remains a luxury for millions of people worldwide. In regions where governments tightly control expression, citizens face censorship, persecution, and even imprisonment for sharing their opinions. 

The ability to speak freely without fear of reprisal is not universal, and in many parts of the world, expressing dissent can be dangerous. People in places that protect freedom of speech often take this right for granted.

People voice their opinions openly, be it in person or online, without thinking about the consequences. Yet, this ability to speak without fear is a luxury that many people still fight for, making it one of the most valuable freedoms that some don’t fully appreciate.

High-Speed Internet

High-speed internet is something many people use every day without considering it a luxury. For those in urban areas with consistent access, streaming videos, browsing the web, or working remotely are routine tasks. 

Yet, for many in rural or underdeveloped regions, fast and reliable internet is either too expensive or simply unavailable, making it difficult to stay connected. Access to high-speed internet provides more than just entertainment.

It’s a tool for education, business, and communication, opening doors to opportunities that many people around the world don’t have. For those with consistent, high-speed connections, it’s easy to overlook how much they rely on this modern convenience in nearly every aspect of their daily lives.

Clean Clothing

Wearing clean clothing might not seem like a luxury, but for many people, access to laundry facilities or even clean water for washing is limited even here in the U.S.. In areas with water shortages or where laundry services are expensive, keeping clothes clean is a constant challenge. 

Many people often overlook the luxury of tossing clothes into a washing machine and having them fresh and clean. For those who enjoy the convenience of washing machines at home or in facilities, the effort required to maintain clean clothing is minimal. 

Still, in other parts of the world, washing clothes by hand or finding a way to clean them at all can be a daily struggle. Clean clothing is essential not just for comfort but also for dignity and hygiene, making it an overlooked luxury in modern life.

Access to Reliable Childcare

Reliable childcare is a crucial luxury that allows parents to balance work and family life. In many countries, especially developed ones, daycare centers, preschools, and babysitters are readily available. 

Parents can work, pursue their careers, or enjoy personal time knowing that their children are in safe hands. This level of support provides freedom and peace of mind for many families. In many regions, people have limited or unaffordable access to reliable childcare. 

Many parents have no choice but to bring their children to work, rely on extended family, or forego employment opportunities altogether. Reliable childcare is a service that supports not only family dynamics but also economic stability, yet it remains out of reach for many parents globally.

Ability to Travel

Traveling often seems routine for people in wealthier countries, but it remains a significant luxury for many globally. Traveling domestically or internationally requires both the financial means and the time, something that is not possible for everyone. 

Many people have never left their hometowns or countries due to economic limitations, political barriers, or other constraints. Traveling to new places and cultures, or visiting loved ones, is a privilege many take for granted.

Be it for leisure or necessity, the freedom to move about the world as one pleases is a luxury that not everyone can enjoy. Travel expands horizons, but it also highlights the disparities between those who can afford it and those who cannot.

Access to Clean Restrooms

Having clean, working restrooms is something many people think is available everywhere. In developed countries, public restrooms are easy to find, and most homes have several bathrooms with good plumbing.

Clean facilities offer both convenience and cleanliness, which helps keep people healthy. Some areas do not have good restrooms, or they might not have any at all.

In these places, people often have to go a long way to use a bathroom, or they use temporary systems that can be very bad for their health. For many people, clean restrooms are a normal part of daily life, but for others, they are a rare and important thing that is not always available.

Having a Personal Phone

Having a personal phone is another modern luxury that many people don’t consider. For those in developed nations, owning a smartphone is almost a given, with access to apps, the internet, and constant communication. 

It’s not just a tool for calling or texting, it’s a personal assistant, entertainment hub, and social connector all in one device. In many parts of the world, personal phones are far less common, with some families sharing a single device or relying on communal access. 

The convenience of having a phone at your fingertips allows people to stay connected, informed, and entertained, yet this accessibility is something many don’t fully recognize as a luxury until they lose it.

Recognizing the Privileges in Everyday Life

Many things we think are normal, like clean water, reliable electricity, and being able to say what we think, are not available to millions of people around the world.

The next time you have a good night’s sleep, a hot meal, or a nice drive, take a moment to think about how lucky you are.

By noticing these good things, we can be more aware of the differences that exist and try to make a world where more people can enjoy these simple things.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you just read, then subscribe to my newsletter.👈

• 20 Luxuries the Middle Class Enjoys That the Poor Can’t Afford
• 23 Things That Are Normal for the Rich But Luxuries for Most

AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.