I still remember the day I realized how many everyday worries I took for granted.
I was out hiking with a friend who grew up with less stability than I did, and she casually mentioned how she used to stress over having enough food in the fridge. In that moment, I caught myself feeling surprised—something I’m not proud of, but that’s exactly what opened my eyes to all the little things I’d never had to fear.
It’s easy to overlook the kinds of concerns that never make it onto our personal radar. We don’t stress about them because, in our reality, they’ve never been threats. But meeting people with different backgrounds has taught me that the absence of certain worries often points to a privilege we might not even know we have.
Below are ten worries I’ve encountered through conversations, personal coaching sessions, and my own life experiences. If you’ve never found yourself weighed down by these thoughts, it might be time to acknowledge how fortunate you truly are.
1) Worrying about your next meal
I’ve had times when I felt “hungry,” but it was usually after a workout or a busy day with no lunch. I never truly feared going to bed without dinner.
For many, though, the question of where their next meal will come from is a daily source of anxiety. If you’ve never had to ration portions or wonder if you can afford groceries until your next paycheck, that’s something to be grateful for.
Hunger is an invisible burden for people in every city across the world, and yet it’s often hidden from casual view.
2) Doubting you can afford medical care
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have regular checkups, vaccinations, and quick treatments for any sports injury. I used to think healthcare was just a given—find a doctor, fix the issue, and move on.
Later, I met folks who would rather endure a headache for weeks than see a doctor because they couldn’t spare the money. They didn’t just worry about the pain; they worried about the bill and the ripple effect it could have on rent, food, or transportation.
Never needing to wonder, “Can I actually pay for this doctor visit?” is a major privilege.
3) Fearing eviction
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve casually mentioned “heading home” without thinking too deeply about that word—home.
For people who can’t keep up with rent or face sudden job loss, the concept of “home” is precarious. It can be pulled out from under them at any moment.
Sometimes, even the fear of a single missed payment can snowball into immense mental stress.
If you’ve never had your mind run in circles at night, calculating how to stretch your budget to avoid eviction, you’ve escaped a serious worry that affects countless families.
4) Facing prejudice due to your appearance
Growing up, my biggest stress about appearance was whether my hair was frizzy on a humid day. It wasn’t about people suspecting me of wrongdoing or making assumptions based on my race, my clothing, or my body size.
Some friends of mine have described being followed in stores or pulled aside at security checks. Others have felt unsafe wearing certain outfits because of how strangers might react.
If you’ve never been fearful that your appearance could spark bias or threats, that’s a sign of a different level of freedom and safety.
5) Lacking the freedom to voice your opinion
In the circles I grew up in, disagreeing was perfectly acceptable, sometimes even encouraged if you could back up your perspective.
But in many households, communities, or even entire countries, speaking your mind can come with severe repercussions. I didn’t always grasp that people could be punished, ostracized, or worse for a simple difference of opinion.
If you’ve never worried about the consequences of voicing your beliefs—whether they’re political, religious, or personal—you hold a privilege that millions around the world wish they had.
6) Feeling unsafe in your own neighborhood
Walking around the block with my dog, Luna, usually brings me peace. The idea that something dangerous could happen was never at the forefront of my mind.
Yet, I’ve come to see how real that fear can be for many individuals. Some worry about stray bullets, random violence, or constant crime so much that they avoid going outside after dark.
If safety concerns haven’t kept you from stepping out your front door or enjoying a late-night stroll, that’s a privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
7) Sacrificing mental health to keep a job
I once battled with the pressure of pushing my body to extremes in sports, but I also had an out—I could step back, regroup, and prioritize my well-being. Not everyone has that option when it comes to work.
Imagine having to swallow anxiety or depression just to keep your paycheck. Some people are trapped in toxic workplaces or juggling multiple jobs, with no safety net if they decide to quit and seek a healthier environment.
If you’ve never worried that taking a mental health day could cost you your livelihood, you’re already in a more secure position than many.
8) Being isolated without a support system
I grew up knowing that if I really needed help, I could call my parents or brother, and they’d be there in a heartbeat. Even friends I made through sports or mindfulness communities have become an extended support system.
But there are so many people who don’t have anyone to lean on, financially or emotionally. For them, a missed car payment or a sudden move can feel catastrophic because there’s nobody to offer even temporary relief.
If you can call or text someone who would help you get back on your feet in hard times, that’s a privilege you might be underestimating.
9) Not having basic technology
I’m not a tech whiz like my brother, but I’ve always had a phone and a laptop to work, communicate, and research everything from meditation techniques to holiday recipes.
For me, the thought of being disconnected never really hit home until I met students who had to sit outside a café just to get Wi-Fi for their homework.
If you’ve never stressed about how to apply for jobs online or check important emails because you lack the devices or stable internet, that’s a serious advantage.
Digital access is increasingly vital for education, employment, and healthcare. Many people are left in the dark simply because they don’t have the means or infrastructure to stay connected.
10) Being unsure about your future prospects
The future can be intimidating for everyone, but there’s a difference between typical anxiety—like “Will I love my next job?”—and the existential dread of not seeing a path forward at all.
Some folks feel completely trapped by circumstances, like extreme poverty, war, or cultural expectations that prevent them from pursuing opportunities.
If you’ve never had to look at your life and think, “There’s no way out of this,” consider yourself fortunate.
Opportunities like higher education, specialized training, or even a safe environment to explore career options aren’t accessible to everyone. Not needing to constantly worry about your entire future being blocked off is a true privilege.
Conclusion
I catch myself sometimes—complaining about trivial things like slow internet or being unable to find my favorite brand of protein bars at the store.
But reflecting on what other people grapple with every single day helps me tune into a deeper sense of gratitude.
It doesn’t mean we can’t feel stressed or upset about our own challenges. Rather, it’s an invitation to broaden our perspective and acknowledge that our worries could be far heavier if our circumstances were different.
If you’ve never had to wrestle with the ten concerns above, you might have more freedom and security than you realize.
That recognition doesn’t need to become guilt. Instead, it can be a spark—one that motivates us to stay empathetic, give back, and use our resources to support those who carry burdens they’ve never been able to set down.
