Happy ordinary

We often overlook what we already have—until it’s gone. Losing the ordinary in life is far more painful than gaining something extraordinary. You might work hard to earn success, but when illness strikes, everything collapses into one simple wish—to be normal again.

Gratitude is a skill worth practising daily.

Today, I’m flying back to Sydney. I’m grateful to have travelled to Japan again with Kate. Grateful for safe journeys, shared meals, mountain air, autumn leaves, hot springs, the quiet politeness of strangers, the flight home, even the airport lounge.

Grateful to have a home to return to—and a place like Japan to miss.

When we focus on what we have, gratitude becomes endless. But when we fixate on what we lack, expectations rise and suffering follows.

Pay attention to what you pay attention to.