Today I noticed, during my commute home from the hospital, that a bike lane I had cycled down for five years had been smoothed out. Where it was previously a faded pale green, scattered with awkward bumps and potholes, I now found a glossy, black lane of even concrete. As I rode over this new track, feeling unprecedented levels of comfort and safety, I couldn’t help but feel a little grateful for this city. Sure, there were still looming national and global issues to be solved. But for now, my tyres could rest easy and I could enjoy a bumpless ride.

In my happy state, I then looked up and realised that it was a beautiful evening. The air was crisp, the sun was setting, and there was energy in the air. Around me, the noise of chatter, skateboards and the angry bell of a tram made this city feel alive. And then I realised that if not for the bike lanes, I probably wouldn’t have noticed these things. The surprise and subsequent gratitude I felt broadened my view to find other things to be grateful for.

“Every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for,” Dutch priest Henri Nouwen once wrote. “Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love.“