Traveling has helped me appreciate the little things in life and realize how much I often take for granted. It might sound silly, but I had a moment recently that truly made me stop and think. Happiness isn’t about material things — it’s about the experiences that shape us.

I was sitting on the beach late at night in Costa Rica, watching the waves crash under the moonlight. If you’ve ever been to Costa Rica, you know the country has a lot of dogs. Some have homes but roam freely, running around all day and night. They’re friendly, playful and never aggressive. That night, I saw a group of three or four dogs playing together on the beach, having the time of their lives. They weren’t worried about anything — just fully in the moment, simply existing and enjoying life. And as I sat there watching them, I felt overwhelmed thinking about all the things I own and have access to. Because life, at its core, can be so simple.

Being in a country where people live with less has made me reflect on how much excess we accumulate in places like the U.S. Social media often makes life feel like it’s about keeping up appearances, always chasing the next thing — more money, more clothes, a bigger house, a nicer car. But sitting on that beach, I realized: None of that truly matters.

This program made me more aware of how much we normalize clutter — both physical and mental. We accumulate so much, yet we always want more. The American Dream encourages us to check off milestones: go to school, get a job, get married, start a family. And before we know it, we’re stuck in a cycle — wake up, go to work, come home, sleep, repeat. All in the hopes that one day, after decades of working, we’ll finally have time to live.

But why wait? Why not live while we’re here, while we’re young, while we have the energy? And by “wealthy,” I don’t mean money — I mean rich in experiences, relationships and moments that bring us joy.

One of the biggest flaws in American culture is the constant pursuit of more. We chase financial success but often sacrifice the very things that make life meaningful — travel, hobbies, quality time with loved ones. It’s like we’re always reaching for something just out of grasp, too focused on the next goal to appreciate what’s right in front of us. This realization hit me on a personal level, too. Every time I plan a trip, my first thought is, I need new clothes, new shoes, new this, new that. But do I really? The truth is, I already have more than enough. And yet, I still find myself wanting more.

As I get older, I’m learning the value of being present and intentional. You don’t have to travel to another country to practice gratitude. Start now — take a moment each day to appreciate the things we often overlook: a roof over your head, the people you love, even something as simple as a hot shower. Because in the end, the little things aren’t so little after all.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Service: Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica