I very often stop and give thanks for the 'normal'. I think it's the best defense against depression. But as Ebbie pointed out, what really brings it home and sharpens your appreciation is a bout with adversity, even if it is a little thing like being outside and getting really chilled, and coming into your warm house. I was sick with a bad cold and bronchitis. It has made me feel so grateful for my health, now that I'm much better, and even when I had bronchitis I was thankful it wasn't something worse. Also, adversity sharpens your sense of empathy. If you've been uncomfortably cold, and you are able to come home to a warm shelter, it makes you think about those who can't do this, and you can imagine how they must feel, and it might motivate you to help. Ditto with illness. I've made a conscious effort to focus on the positive, and most of the time I succeed.