Be thankful

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey

Throughout the past one and a half months in Stockholm, I have met new friends from different countries and got to know my current friends better. One of the greatest lessons that I have learned is to not take things for granted such as opportunities that we are born with, in Singapore. I have heard so many positive reactions about Singapore whenever my friends and I mention that we are Singaporeans. I guess I never understood how lucky I am to be able to have a nice home and a great and accessible education.

There was a phase in life where I fantasized of having superficial things, like luxury accessories, that I saw on Instagram. During these phases in life where I dreamt of wanting more or felt that I lacked things. Elsewhere in the world, people are yearning for what I already have. 

Hearing stories from my exchange friend about how generations of families suffer due to the instability in their country caused my heart to ache. I could hear and feel how bad my friend wants to leave her country to have a better work opportunity - almost desperate for a chance which she feels restricted from due to her citizenship. Even though we are about the same age, I feel that I have much lesser worries than her. This has brought light to how pampered and immature I am. I have lived such a sheltered life that I do not know the reality of the world. It reflects so badly on myself! I want to be less ignorant and indifferent towards the world.