When you think you’re unfortunate, you may be more fortunate than you realize

It is natural for us to sometimes feel weighed down by life’s struggles. We may look at our challenges—be it financial burdens, health concerns, family conflicts, or career setbacks—and think, “Why is life so unfair to me?” In those moments, it is easy to label ourselves as unfortunate.

But pause for a while. Step back, and you may realize: even in hardship, you are still more fortunate than many others.

The hidden perspective

Someone who worries about bills may still have a roof over their head, while countless others sleep without shelter. A person feeling exhausted from work has, at the very least, a job—something many are still praying for. Even those who complain about their health may still be able to walk, speak, or see, while others struggle daily with permanent disabilities.

This is not to dismiss your struggles, but to remind you that fortune is not only measured by what you lack—it is also found in what you already have.

Gratitude as strength

This isn’t about guilt-tripping ourselves into feeling better. Pain is valid. Struggles are real. But gratitude offers a lens—not to erase hardship, but to soften its edges. It reminds us that even in darkness, there are flickers of light. Think of someone who has lost everything in a natural disaster. Or a child growing up without access to clean water. Or a refugee fleeing violence with no certainty of tomorrow. These are not abstract examples—they are real lives unfolding right now. And yet, many of these individuals still find moments of joy, resilience, and hope.

Everyone has their own cross

No life is free of difficulty. What looks like a “perfect life” from afar often hides silent battles. When you compare your life to others, you may see only what you don’t have, not what they are enduring behind closed doors. Your challenges may feel heavy, but they could be lighter compared to the unseen burdens of someone else.

Choosing to see fortune

Being “fortunate” is not only about wealth, success, or comfort. Sometimes, it is as simple as being alive, having loved ones who care, or the ability to hope. By choosing to recognize this, you turn feelings of misfortune into opportunities for growth, empathy, and resilience.

A gentle reminder

So, the next time you feel the weight of misfortune, take a moment to pause. Look around you and acknowledge the silent blessings that form the foundation of your life. The roof, the food, the safety, the health—these are not small things. They are the bedrock of a fortunate existence. Recognizing this doesn’t diminish your struggles, but it does place them in a proper perspective, allowing for a deeper sense of gratitude and resilience.