What a blessing it is to experience such a beautiful and amazing day. It’s six in the morning. I have already gone for a walk outside and completed my high-intensity training. I must admit, it was a challenge, but afterward, I have gone for a morning walk in the cool breeze. The wind is gently hitting my face, the leaves on the trees are swaying, and of course, it’s still quite dark at this early hour.

As I walk, I see cars rushing past me. At this moment, I’m passing by a hospital, and I assume shift changes are happening, with people hurrying in—perhaps for work, perhaps visiting family. I see people in hospital's lobby gazing at their gadgets.  It astonishes me how often we are so focused on the gadgets in our hands that we forget to look up. We rarely lift our gaze to the sky.

Walking along this path, I see lush green grass on both sides. One side is lined with beautifully trimmed palm trees, while the other has bright lights sporadically placed, illuminating road signs and other markers. It’s a fascinating sight. Internally, I feel great, too—endorphins from my workout are still coursing through me, leaving me with a sense of well-being.

Today, I want to talk about gratitude. I have to admit, I am one of the fortunate ones. I consider myself incredibly lucky for all that I have, and I remind myself of this often. Everything that has happened to me, all the blessings I have received, are beyond my own efforts.

Reflecting on my life, I realize how much of it was shaped by circumstances beyond my control. I was born the youngest of five siblings into a highly respectable and educated family. My father was one of the most respected figures in our town—if not the most respected. He held a high government position and was known for his honesty, dedication, and integrity. Having a role model like that meant I never considered any other way of living. A life of dignity and honesty was all I knew. That alone was an incredible blessing.

I received my education at the best school in my city, spending 12 years in an institution that, at the time, was unmatched in quality. Though it may not compare to the top schools globally, it was the best within our reach, and I am grateful for that. Another significant turning point in my life came when I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to pursue my bachelor's degree in the United States, funded by my father. That opportunity changed the course of my life. Statistically, only a tiny fraction of students from Pakistan made it to the U.S. for undergraduate studies, and I was one of the lucky ones.

I continued my education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of the best universities. I chose accounting as my field of study, which turned out to be a great decision. I have always had a natural talent for numbers, and accounting allowed me to leverage that strength. Choosing a profession that I both enjoyed and excelled in was another blessing.

Even before completing my bachelor's degree, I secured a job with an employer willing to sponsor my work visa and, later, my green card. This was a significant breakthrough, as obtaining sponsorship is not easy. Employers prefer to hire local candidates rather than go through the legal complexities of sponsoring a foreign worker. Yet, I was fortunate enough to receive this opportunity, which changed the trajectory of my life. Many others were unable to secure employment or legal status, but I was among the lucky few who could stay in the U.S. and build a career.

Beyond these blessings, another pivotal moment in my life was starting my own business. At the time, it seemed like a risky move—leaving behind a lucrative, stable career to venture into the unknown. Everyone advised against it. But I took the leap. There were struggles, setbacks, and obstacles, but ultimately, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It changed the course of my life in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Another life-changing decision was moving from Chicago to Florida. At the time, I didn't fully realize the impact this move would have on my life and business. I was drawn to the warm weather and the familiarity of a few acquaintances in Tampa, but in hindsight, it was one of the best choices I made. It provided me with a less stressful, more relaxed environment, which allowed my business to thrive.

Perhaps the most important blessing of all was meeting and marrying my wife. Marriage is a decision that can shape your entire life, and I was fortunate to find someone who is intelligent, articulate, and comes from a respectable and educated family. She has been a tremendous source of support and joy in my life. The choice of a life partner can make or break a person’s happiness, and I was fortunate enough to get it right.

Looking back, I realize that life is defined by a few critical decisions. If you get them right, life unfolds beautifully. If you get them wrong, it can be a struggle. These key decisions include:

1. Choosing the right field of study—one that is in demand and provides financial stability.
2. Choosing the right place to live—where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
3. Choosing the right life partner—someone who complements you and enhances your journey.
4. Deciding whether to work for someone else or start your own business—entrepreneurship can open many doors if pursued wisely.
5. Taking care of your health—without which, everything else loses meaning.

If you make the right choices in these areas, life becomes more fulfilling. I count myself incredibly lucky to have made these choices wisely. My profession allows me the flexibility to generate income based on the effort I put in, and I recognize how fortunate I am compared to others who may work just as hard but struggle due to being in the wrong industry.

Another major blessing in my life is my two sons. Early in our marriage, we were blessed with two boys, which turned out to be just the right family dynamic for us. We were able to provide for them, travel, and enjoy life together without feeling overwhelmed. They grew up to be intelligent, kind, and responsible individuals, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Of course, life has had its challenges—health issues, financial hurdles, and professional struggles—but they are minor compared to the immense blessings I have received. If I were to quantify it, I would say that 95% of my life is filled with blessings, while challenges account for just 5%. Yet, human nature tends to focus on the difficulties, often making them seem far greater than they truly are.

Fast forward to today, and I live in a beautiful home, drive comfortable cars, have a flourishing business, and have made solid investments. I am surrounded by family, friends, and a strong support system. My health is in good shape—no major diseases, no metabolic or cardiovascular issues. Financially, I am secure, with the ability to pay my bills and enjoy life.

As I continue my morning walk, I notice the sun beginning to rise, painting the sky with soft hues of gray and orange. A gentle breeze still brushes against my face, and I am reminded once again of how blessed I am. Every single day is a gift. Every breath we take is a blessing.

So, in conclusion, I remind myself and others: Lift your head up. Look away from your gadgets and into the sky. Appreciate nature. Count your blessings. Be grateful.

Find joy in the small things—a laugh with a friend, a smile from a stranger, a good joke, a beautiful sky, the sight of a bird on a branch. Even the simple act of walking, lifting one foot in front of the other, is a privilege.

Be present. Acknowledge the good in life. And above all, live with gratitude.