How does being mortal deepen my sense of gratefulness?

Yesterday’s Word of the Day by Philip Gulley prompted the reflection I wrote earlier this morning and I find that it relates to today’s question as the past year has made me extremely conscious of my mortality due to several compression fractures in my back and limiting physical mobility. Here is the quote and what I wrote in reaponse:
“I wonder if gratefulness is the bridge from sorrow to joy, spanning the chasm of our anxious striving. Freed from the burden of unbridled desires, we can enjoy what we have, celebrate what we’ve attained, and appreciate the familiar. For if we can’t be happy now, we’ll likely not be happy when.” Philip Gulley

I’ve always enjoyed the thoughtful wisdom writings of Philip Gulley. The words “anxious striving” hit me between the eyes this morning as I’m reminded that my jaw is tense and taught. My mind is jumping from future to past, manufacturing “What ifs, ands and buts.”
I’ve injured my left foot. X-ray says no fracture so the doctor thinks I have most likely damaged a tendon in my little toe. I see a foot specialist next week and in the mean time, elevate, ice and limit use which means no neighborhood walks, no water exercise, a lot of sitting down. I’m already feeling stiff from a lack of activity! I’m lamenting my physical limitations; regretting all the opportunities I let pass me by when my physical health was vibrant and I more able. My mind is “when-ing.”
I’m reminded of how mentally crippled I can become when I gorge on regret. I reread the quote.The closing sentence grabs me, “For if we can’t be happy now, we’ll likely not be happy when.”
There is always something or someone for which and whom to be grateful and gratefulness produces happiness. The mail man is delivering my mail to my door. My sister calls to check on me daily. My son continues to work on making my new home comfortable for me. My next door neighbor hugs me every time she sees me and I’ve only known her for 6 weeks!
WHEN is NOW….or as my a dear friend’s daughter whose life was limited from childhood seizures used to say whenever she saw me, “You better get happy.”
Blessed BE, Carol