BLOG

Things We Take For Granted Every Day

Life can be daunting. We’re late to work because the train was delayed or traffic was terrible. Our boss annoys us, and our paycheck never seems to be enough.

There are days when it seems like the world just has it out for you. I know it. I feel you.

But sometimes you really need to take a moment to check yourself and think about everything you have — even when you REALLY do not want to play the grateful game.

As tough as it may seem, there’s so much that we take for granted every day. Just reflect on everything that wouldn’t be possible if you were simply born in another country or with different financial circumstances.

Even during those times when you feel like the unluckiest person in history, there’s no denying that you’re still leaps and bounds more fortunate than the majority of people in the world.

So, before you complain about Meredith in accounting and how she’s always sending passive aggressive emails, ask yourself this: What would it be like if I couldn’t read those emails in the first place? Or if I couldn’t type a response? What if I didn’t even have an email account because I never learned how to read and write?

Yet as far out as these scenarios might seem, they remain the reality not only for people across the globe, but also for 36 million Americans. Yes, 36 million people in the US cannot read or write above a third-grade level. That’s roughly 10 percent of the population.

When you stop to reflect, there really is so much to be thankful for because we are all truly blessed.

In case you need reminding of how lucky you really are — and let’s be real, we all do from time to time — here are four things we couldn’t do if we weren’t able to read or write.

The simple act of reading.

Think about this one for a second. Imagine how many things would not be possible if you didn’t have the ability to read. Imagine how difficult the most basic tasks would become. The ability to read underpins everything you do in your everyday life.

Getting to work.

What would you do if, one day, you simply couldn’t get to work? How would you hold a job?

The ability to read is critically important in our ability to get around. If you couldn’t read, how could you navigate your commute? How could you tell which train is uptown and which is downtown? How could you read a map to find where you’re headed?

How could you even purchase the ticket to get on the subway? Ask yourself these questions the next time you’re complaining about public transportation and your frustrating commute to the office.

Answering a letter.

We don’t often think about it, but being able to respond to even a simple postcard or email is a luxury. How could you respond to mail, keep up with current events or read and reply to a friend’s text message if you didn’t know how to read? Again, you rely on your knowledge of how to read and write without even realizing it.

Making a dinner reservation.

If you really think about all of the things you couldn’t do without the ability to decipher words, you’d quickly realize the list comprises virtually everything you do in a typical day. Even the most mundane tasks would quickly become impossible. You couldn’t pick up a phone and make a simple dinner reservation, let alone something more important like applying for a job.

Think this one through: You couldn’t even tell a host at your favorite pizza place that you’d like a table for four tonight because when you opened the phonebook, you wouldn’t be able to read the name of the pizza place. It’s just another example of how the repercussions of illiteracy reverberate across the lives of so many people.

Lacking the skill to read and write would be socially crippling. We have to appreciate how fortunate we have been and make an effort to help others who haven’t had the same kind of privileged upbringing.

There are so many people who never received the type of formal schooling that many of us have. It’s tragic and truly heartbreaking, but also humbling.

So, the next time you’re simply ordering off a menu or reading a simple subway map or the morning news, remember how lucky you are that you can decipher the words on the page.

Hosting Unforgettable Parties
15 Apr, 2024
Throwing a party that leaves a lasting impression on guests involves much more than just gathering people in one place. It's about creating a unique and memorable experience that stands out. From selecting the perfect venue to crafting a captivating theme, every detail plays a pivotal role in the success of the event.
Perfect Party Playlist
07 Apr, 2024
Creating the perfect party playlist is more art than science, involving a keen understanding of the event's atmosphere and the guests' varied tastes. Music sets the rhythm of the night and plays a pivotal role in transforming a gathering into an unforgettable experience. Whether it's an intimate birthday celebration or a grand wedding reception, the soundtrack of the evening has the power to evoke emotions and get people onto the dance floor. This guide provides valuable insights into selecting the right genres, establishing a musical pace, and the benefits of entrusting the playlist to a professional DJ, ensuring every moment resonates with the party's vibe.
Themed Parties
14 Mar, 2024
Planning the perfect themed party can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be both manageable and enjoyable. From selecting a theme that excites you to decorating your space and choosing activities that complement the theme, every step offers an opportunity to spark creativity and fun.
07 Mar, 2024
Weddings are a symphony of moments and memories, not just for the couple but also for each guest attending. A well-managed guest experience adds harmony to this symphony, ensuring that the celebration is as joyous for the attendees as it is for the hosts. Effective guest management involves meticulous planning, from the precision of the guest list to the comfort of seating arrangements, adapting to special needs, and finally, to the infusion of engaging entertainment. Crafting the Perfect Guest List The journey to flawless guest management begins with crafting the guest list . It requires a delicate balance between the couple's vision for their special day and the practical constraints of their budget and venue capacity. Establishing priorities for the guest list is pivotal. Immediate family and closest friends form the inner circle, and from there, the list can expand based on the importance of each potential attendee's relationship to the couple. As the list takes shape, categories emerge. Dividing guests into groups such as family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances can streamline the process. Couples must remember that each addition to the list can impact the dynamic of the event. The goal is to create an atmosphere where guests can share in the joy without feeling lost in the crowd. Designing Seating Arrangements Seating arrangements are an art form, blending social harmony with logistical necessity. The goal is to ensure that each table becomes a microcosm of the wedding's broader conviviality. To start, identifying a focal point for the seating—the head table or sweetheart table—grounds the arrangement. Then, organizing guests into tables by relationships or common interests fosters comfortable interactions. Just as a painter works from the background to the details, couples should layout the general seating before delving into specific assignments. This approach allows them to visualize the flow of the space and the proximity of each guest to the essential happenings. Once the broader picture is set, they can match guests to tables and positions that will enhance their experience. Accommodating Special Needs A key aspect of guest management is anticipating and accommodating special needs. This includes dietary restrictions, mobility issues, and other personal considerations. Engaging with guests prior to the event to inquire about any accommodations can prevent discomfort or exclusion on the big day. For dietary restrictions, liaising with the caterer to provide alternative options is vital. Moreover, ensuring that the venue is accessible for guests with mobility issues demonstrates thoughtfulness and care. Providing clear information in the invitation about accessibility and meal options can reassure guests that their needs have been considered. Infusing Engaging Entertainment Entertainment plays a crucial role in elevating the guest experience. Companies like Mystical Entertainment Group specialize in curating entertainment that complements the ambiance and keeps guests captivated throughout the event. From live music that sets the tone during dinner to a DJ that draws every guest onto the dance floor, the right entertainment has the power to create an electrifying atmosphere. The key is to tailor the entertainment to the guest demographic. An eclectic mix that spans genres and eras can appeal to a wide age range, while interactive elements like dance-offs or photo booths can add a spark of fun. Professional entertainers can read the room and adapt to keep the energy high and the memories flowing. Providing Welcome Bags Welcome bags greet guests with a personalized touch that sets the tone for the celebration. These bags, filled with thoughtfully selected items, can range from practical to whimsical. Essentials like a schedule of events, local maps, and transportation information provide logistical support, while local treats, personalized trinkets, or hangover kits add a playful element. Creating a welcome bag is an opportunity to infuse the couple's personality into the guest experience. Customized items that hint at the couple's story or wedding theme can make guests feel connected to the celebration even before the events begin. Personalizing Guest Experiences Individual attention to each guest's experience can transform a good wedding into an unforgettable one. Personalized touches, whether in place settings, individual notes, or specific shout-outs during speeches, make guests feel valued and included. Photographs of the couple with their guests, placed at each table or incorporated into the décor, can be a powerful way to personalize the space. Acknowledging guests' contributions to the couple's life and their effort to attend the wedding can leave a lasting impression. Welcoming Out-of-Town Guests Special attention should be given to out-of-town guests, who have invested additional time and resources to attend the wedding. Providing information on accommodations, organizing transport from the hotel to the venue, and suggesting activities for their stay can make a significant difference in their experience. Arranging a welcome gathering or a farewell brunch for out-of-town guests not only extends the celebration but also shows appreciation for their effort to be part of the couple's day. It is also an excellent opportunity for the couple to spend quality time with guests they may not see frequently. The Grand Finale As the wedding draws to a close, ensuring guests depart with positive memories is as important as their initial welcome. Farewell gestures, such as thank-you notes, small parting gifts, or a memorable send-off, can encapsulate the warmth of the event. The departure experience should be as smooth as their arrival, with organized transport and clear instructions to avoid any confusion or inconvenience. Ultimately, weddings are a testament to the couple's relationship and the community of people who support them. Mastery in guest management lies in recognizing that each wedding attendee plays a part in the tapestry of the day. Through a combination of thoughtful planning, personal touches, and professional entertainment, couples can craft an event that is enjoyable for all and leaves guests feeling not just as attendees, but as cherished participants in the celebration.  Ready to transform your wedding into a day of enchantment with the perfect entertainment? Mystical Entertainment Group specializes in creating unforgettable events with DJs that do more than play music—they craft an immersive atmosphere. Contact us today to discover how we can make your special day resonate with every attendee. Let’s make magic together!
Wedding Planning
14 Feb, 2024
Wedding attire holds profound significance across cultures, often embodying centuries of tradition and the essence of a heritage. In many societies, the garments worn on a wedding day carry as much symbolic weight as the ceremony itself. Consequently, couples today are inspired to honor their roots by integrating traditional elements into their wedding apparel. Modern weddings present a canvas where cultural attire can be re-imagined, blending ancient motifs with contemporary fashion. For those with diverse backgrounds, the wedding ensemble becomes an artful meld of patterns, fabrics, and accessories, each piece a tribute to a shared ancestral tapestry.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Guide
08 Feb, 2024
In recent years, eco-consciousness has woven its way into the fabric of daily living, including milestone celebrations like weddings. For couples who are mindful of their environmental footprint, planning a wedding that aligns with their values is not just a wish but a significant aspect of their special day. We will explore the avenues available to those seeking to minimize waste and make environmentally considerate choices throughout their wedding planning process. From invitations to decor, and catering, there are numerous opportunities to make a wedding more sustainable without sacrificing elegance and personal style. Furthermore, we will delve into how the Mystical Entertainment Group plays a pivotal role in creating a sophisticated and eco-friendly atmosphere.
Countdown to 'I Do'
14 Jan, 2024
Embarking on the path to matrimony is a thrilling journey filled with love, joy, and a fair share of planning. A detailed wedding timeline is not just a schedule; it's the blueprint for your perfect day, ensuring that every petal and playlist is in place when you walk down the aisle. This guide lays out the critical milestones in the countdown to 'I Do', providing a pragmatic approach to what can seem like an overwhelming process.
Wedding Menu
07 Jan, 2024
Selecting the perfect wedding menu is an art, a chance to showcase your style and delight guests with a memorable culinary experience. From choosing dishes that reflect your love story to considering dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients, these insights and tips will help you create a personalized menu that satisfies the palate and adds a special touch to your celebration.
Audio/Video Rentals
21 Dec, 2023
Anniversaries are milestones to celebrate. For couples, professional audio/video rentals are crucial to capture and preserve those precious moments. Recognizing the significance of quality equipment in preserving memories is key to creating an unforgettable anniversary celebration.
Black Light Show
14 Dec, 2023
Weddings are a tapestry of moments, meticulously woven together to create an unforgettable experience. Among these, the incorporation of a black light show can transform the event into a realm of magical luminescence. This innovative approach not only enhances the visual allure but also adds a unique touch to the celebration.
More Posts
Share by: