Appreciating What We Have: A Lesson from Those Who Don't

???? ?? ?? ???? ???? ??? (My papa had alcohol).

It was nearly 12:30 AM, and I could hear screams and shouts coming from our parking area (It was from our temporary security). Being alone at home that night, I hesitated to go and check what was happening. After an hour of this ongoing drama, noises in the corridor forced me to open my window and take a peek.

I saw our new neighbors, the security guard's wife and daughter. I stayed inside my house with the grill door closed but the main door opens while the security guard's wife and daughter were with our neighbors. During this time, the security guard's three- or four-year-old daughter said something heartbreaking: "Papa ne tho daaru peeya hai." Those words hit me hard. I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling of that innocent child being exposed to such a distressing environment. Even today, the memory of her words haunts and disturbs me.

A daughter is a priceless treasure. No material wealth or possessions can compare to the joy of her smile and happiness. Yet, for some fathers, happiness seems to lie in alcohol alone. Perhaps they do not realize the true worth of their daughter. Despite his lack of education, I believe that appreciation for what we have is not limited to one's level of education. Many so-called educated individuals fail to recognize the value of their blessings.

My parents used to advise me that whenever I felt like I had nothing, I should look at those who have even less. Only then I can realize the fact of what I have in my life. This truth becomes clear when you witness those who lack something precious and continue to struggle, with little hope in their hands or even the word "hope" itself feeling like an empty promise.

This is just one example, but there are many similar situations in everyday life. Let me share another experience. I know a couple who seem to be constantly arguing. It's normal for disagreements to happen, because people raised in different environments may have different opinions even between siblings we see different opinions. But when you have one or two children, it's important to remember their presence. What kind of life are you providing for them? While personal desires and individual needs are important, at the same time your own children have a special significance because you brought them into this world.

Self-respect is essential in any relationship, but focusing only on oneself can be harmful. When I show respect to my partner and their family, I am more likely to receive the same respect in return. This principle applies universally, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, many people forget this and use it to their advantage. They think, "We married the person we loved, we have children, we have a home—what else matters?" But this perspective overlooks essential values, cultural significance, and the importance of respect. I might be expressing my thoughts a bit strongly, but it's a matter worth considering.

When I say the value, it comes to even inherited wealth. Having the property itself is not an issue, but failing to appreciate the hardships endured by one's parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents to acquire it might be overlooked by many. Understanding their struggles can help us develop a deeper appreciation for what we have. Additionally, it can motivate us to make our own contributions, whether materially or in terms of reputation.

Those who live in palaces may not understand the value of a roof over their heads or food on their plate. But those who live in huts or on the streets know the true meaning of hunger. Our perspective matters. We often focus on what we don't have, forgetting to appreciate what we do have. Life is short, Life is unpredictable, and life is difficult in its own way but you should mould your life for good.

I have always heard the saying, "Your life is in your hands." It took me more than half of my life's journey to truly grasp its meaning, and now, I've come a long way. Perhaps if I had the power to change my life, I would go back and make some alterations. However, such things only happen in movies, not in real life. The past is beyond our control, and we can't predict the future, but we have the present in our hands. Live life to the fullest and with happiness. Learn to appreciate the things you have and respect them. Focus on what truly matters to you, regardless of whether you achieve it or not; what matters is that you don't have regrets at the end of your life.

We all have the power to choose our perspectives. We can choose to focus on what we don't have, or we can choose to appreciate what we do have. The choice is ours. Let's choose to be grateful for the blessings in our lives, both big and small. Because the truth is, we are all richer than we realize.