Now that you know a little more about all the things I’ve been going through the past month, I didn’t want you to think it’s all a negative experience. Life doesn’t have to be like that, even when you’re chronically ill.

But I know firsthand how easy it can be to get caught up in the tide of your illness. So, I’ve created a list of 40 things you can be grateful for when everything else arounds you seems to have failed.

1. The sun peaking through your window first thing in the morning. You woke up today, you’re alive.
2. Your morning cup of coffee.
3. Your favorite book.
4. Bad TV. We’re all guilty of spending the day in bed watching Maury or Family Feud. We know they’re terrible shows, but what would we do without them?
5. Technology: Yes, it can be a pain, but the truth is in most cases it has made your chronic life a little easier. Come on, Keurig’s can brew a single cup of coffee!
6. Text messages: For all the times you still want to reach out and talk, but don’t have the energy.
7. Social media: While your friends may overshare at times, social media has been a home for you. With it you have carved out your own little piece of the world to help yourself and someone else not feel so alone. Post that selfie, write that blog post, tweet.
8. A hot shower, any time of the day.
9. Mom’s home-cooked meals when you’re unable to take care of yourself.
10. Netflix.
11. A good laugh at a bad joke.
12. Sweet smells, defusers, candles, incense. Find a scent that makes you happy and fill your home with it.
13. Your favorite sweater.
14. Cuddling with your pet or your loved one.
15. A Sunday afternoon on the couch.
16. A hug.
17. Your best friend.
18. Your mother.
19. Your significant other.
20. The smell of rain.
21. A warm blanket.
22. A heating pad.
23. Your favorite drink.
24. Phone calls from a friend or family member you haven’t heard from in a while.
25. Your mind: Even if you’re body is waging wars against you, you always have your mind, and with it you can do anything.
26. The weekend, making you happy forever.
27. Having a good night out.
28. A nice drive.
29. Lunch with a friend, or by yourself.
30. Buying that thing you saved your money for.
31. The strength that got you through all the hard times.
32. Your favorite coffee cup.
33. Small children, babies and puppies likely always are likely to bring a smile to your face.
34. Washing your face.
35. The feeling of clean teeth.
36. Having someone else wash your hair.
37. New clothing.
38. Friday night television.
39. Family dinners.
40. Your bed inviting you in after a long day of fights and struggles.

It isn’t always easy to see the beauty in life when you’re dealing with illness — yours or your loved one’s. But life is beautiful if you just take a moment to search for the beauty and be grateful for it.

Keep smiling, guys. Tell me your favorites from this list and feel free to add your own.

Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cerebral Palsy News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cerebral palsy.