508's Secret English Garden

Appreciate What You Have Now    

Today is Christmas, a day of love and gifts. I can’t wait to celebrate the meaningful holiday.  Instead of the Christmas tree, I will rush to my parents’ room, smiling.

    Since I had a memory, I have received Christmas gifts every year. I believed that I deserved a gift because of my good behaviors and that Santa Claus exists. Mother always told me Santa Claus would sneak into the house and place the presents under Christmas tree when good children were in sound sleep.  Little did I know everything beautifully made by my parents was a sweet lie.

    I wasn’t satisfied with what I’ve had, selfishly complaining about the toys were too small, my dolls were too old, and the Christmas gifts were not in my “wish list”. However, I still received presents each year. Not until one night I heard my parents talking about what to send me this Christmas did I realize Santa Claus doesn’t exist. The truth not only shattered my dream but also shocked me.

    When I gradually accepted the reality, I also realized all my parents did was to build a dream for me. Compared with those who didn’t get any presents on Christmas and those who didn’t even have parents, I felt so thankful that my parents loved me so much and were willing to give me a splendid childhood.

    The little girl has grown up now.  I don’t expect Santa’s presents anymore because I have already owned the best one—my sweet family.

Appreciate What You Have Now

      “Sorry, I don’t think I can do it well.” I used to say this.

When I was in junior high school, I often felt that I lacked confidence because every classmate was an expert in something, such as painting, dancing, playing the instruments, and so on.  I was surrounded by them like a fool, because I wasn’t good at anything.  In the art class, they painted so quickly and beautifully, but I could just stare at my childish doodle.  

Every day, things around me kept destroying my little confidence.  My best friend excelled at playing the piano. She was usually requested to perform in music competitions.  Once before she went on the stage, I told her not to be nervous so that she could perform remarkably. To my surprise, she replied “I know it, and I have much more performing experience than you.” Though I knew she didn’t mean it, my feelings were hurt by her careless words.

One day, I saw a disabled man working hard to get on a bus.  He stood up slowly from a wheel chair and moved difficultly.  While many passengers started feeling impatient, he made it eventually.  Looking at the confident smile on his face, I suddenly realized something I had not thought of.  Before this man overcame his challenged body, he had to break through his mental obstacle.

I don’t need to feel embarrassed about my talents.  Instead, I should be confident in what I have.  At least I have a kind heart, several good friends and perseverance in achieving goals.  As a saying goes, “All things in their being are good for something.”  Although there are still many people better than I am, I feel more confident than ever.  

Appreciate What You Have Now

      I was once a wayward and discontent girl.  When I saw my classmates play the piano, I envied them so much.  However, my family was not rich, so there was no extra money for me to take piano classes.  I used to get angry at my parents and complain about my poor family.

      Not until I saw some astonishing news did my attitude change.  One day, I saw a report saying every 7 minutes a person died of hunger in Africa.  I was shocked by the number.  I was shocked to see many African children with big bellies and helpless eyes,  because they were so poor that they need to eat even bugs and dirt to replace food.  I was shocked that such poverty actually exists in the 21 century!  From then on, I finally have realized I was so blessed to have my family with me.

      As a proverb says “In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is the king.” Now I am much happier than ever because I appreciate that I can live a comfortable life.  I have sufficient food to eat, clean water to drink, and good schools to go to.  The news gave me a valuable insight into life.  Although my family is not rich, when I think of the Africans, I feel satisfied.  I will learn to cherish everything around me, especially my family, and make up for my past immature thoughts because I have understood happiness lies in contentment rather than in wealth.         

Appreciate what you have now

After entering senior high school, maybe because of the pressure or because I reach the age of puberty, the argument between my parents and me became more frequent.  The strict demands from my parents always let me feel out of breath.  Instead of accepting their advice, I tend to do the opposite.

      Not until I knew a friend did I realize I’m lucky to have a mother.  I have a friend who hates family reunion on holidays because she has to put up with the disappointing absence of her mother.  My friend’s parents divorced when she was a kid.  She chose to live with her father; therefore, she lacked Mother’s care.

      On one Mother’s Day, my friend called me with tears, telling me how she longed to celebrate this holiday with her mother, and she wondered why everyone deserves the happiness with family except her?  To avoid being caught in depression, she forced herself not to think of the holiday and isolated herself with her family.  Little did I know that an atmosphere of happy family means so much to her.  Contrary to my rebel, she wishes to have discipline from parents.  Even arguing with parents can make her feel a part of her family.

      The care from parents and close family relationship are important for each kid. Although my friend has abundant material life, without a complete family she always feels empty.  As a result, I appreciate that I have lots of parents’ attention which means they love me very much!

Appreciate what you have

      I was once a spoiled and wayward girl.  I would force my parents to get me what I want by all means, no matter how high the prices are.  But soon after I got them, I might throw them behind and desire another pretty necklace or a new pair of shoes. I did not feel satisfied at all.

      However, my life was changed overnight. My father lost his job. We lost not only financial support but hope.  What is worse, my mother was hospitalized because of severe depression. She could not eat normally nor sleep at night. For the first time, I tasted the feeling of helplessness.

      I finally knew how great my parents were. They did all things for me, cooking meals, doing the laundry, washing dishes, and so on. When looking at my mother’s pale face, I could not help crying.  However, she gave me a feeble smile and told me everything would be okay and that I would still be her princess as usual without a doubt.

      Not until I had to do everything by myself did I find out what a fool I had been.  I already had so many things. Why was I so greedy and stupid?

      I can not be too grateful to my parents.  Thanks to them, I learned how to think for others and control my desires.  Now I need those expensive presents no more.  As long as I have my family with me, it is the real and meaningful life.  I am filled with joy every day although my life is not as luxurious and smooth as before.  I know what I have is much more valuable than anything money can buy.