Epictetus taught that everything we love is borrowed, not owned. When you lose something, he said, don't say I've lost it, say I've given it back. That sounds hard, and it is. But underneath is a tender instruction: love what you have now, fully, because it was never permanent and that's exactly what makes it precious. Gratitude isn't pretending nothing will end. It's refusing to wait until something's gone to appreciate it. The people at your table, the health you have today, the season you're in, hold them with open hands and a thankful heart. Today, look at one thing you'd grieve to lose, and let yourself be grateful for it while it's still here.

Inspired by the old idea of gratitude. Written by Ugo Charles.