Growing in appreciation
- Jessica Anne Wood
- Aug 18, 2016
- 2 min read
I am finding as I get older that in the hunt and need for instant gratification people are losing the appreciation that can come from working hard for what you have, or the anticipation of finally getting what you want. The world is run on consumerism, with brands and companies fighting for consumers’ attention. Never mind that you might already have three of an item at home, advertising stress that they are not good enough, you need the latest innovations, and only when you have this new gizmo or gadget will your life be complete. And for a while, this might satisfy you, but soon after that satisfaction wains and you are left searching for the next thing you probably don’t need but advertisers claim will make your life complete and perfect.
But why can’t we learn to be content within ourselves and find happiness in what we are fortunate enough to have? And this doesn’t only whittle down to material objects, but our family and friends. When is the last time that you appreciated being able to experience this world that we are so lucky to be a part of, feel the warmth of the sun, the feel of the cool air as it enters your lungs?
In a world where so much emphasis is placed on material gains, should we not rather take a step back and learn to appreciate the small things that we were born with and have had the fortune to experience?
There is so much violence, hunger and disease in the world, and yet in our daily lives we have become immune to these challenges facing others in the world. For many, if it is not happening to you, it is something that is only briefly considered, you think long enough to feel sorry for the other people and move on. I think it is time to really show our appreciation for what we have been blessed to have. Take the time to tell the people in your life that you love them and appreciate what they do or have done for you. Parents often sacrifice a lot so that their children can have the best, but how many children thank their parents for this sacrifice?
I am making a point of being more appreciative for the opportunities that I have been fortunate enough to receive. Not only did my parents sacrifice to send me to a private school, but I also got to study a degree that I wanted at a good university and was able to complete my honours degree too. I have been lucky enough to have two excellent jobs that have taught me a lot, this is such a blessing in a time where there is such high unemployment. I am also fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, a lovely house to call home and food on the table at every meal. These are just a handful of the many things that I am grateful for.
Is it not time that more people start to show appreciation for what they have, rather than focusing on the things that they want?
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