I just finished celebrating my 19th birthday with some of my closest friends. I finished my midterm papers beforehand. We had a normal dinner at the college’s dining hall. I grabbed my camera and we went out to take photos. I captured some gorgeous moments with my friends. We came back, had dry fruit as snacks, and listened to music.
No grand birthday parties with balloons and giant, sophisticatedly decorated birthday cake. No fancy dinner with candles and wine, and no expensive presents stacking up at my door.
My friend got me a water bottle, which I needed desperately.
People would say that this was just a normal Friday night, not exciting enough for an annual personal festival. However, I would say that this has been one of the best birthdays of my life.
Growing up, I had been insatiable like every other kid. Parents gave me their full attention on my birthdays, but I would complain that the cake they bought was too cheap, or that their presents were not fancy enough. I would wish for a new phone on my next birthday, but when I got exactly what I wished for, that new phone suddenly lost all its charm.
My eyes had been blindfold by negative aspects in my life, by what I think I lack and yearn for. They had been so blind that what my life possesses, what I, fortunately, have in my hands that others don’t, were never paid attention by my mind. I had cried out the miseries and bitterness, and I had been nearly depressed.
I once got tagged in a post that demanded me to list out 10 tiny things that make me happy. They had to be little things, but definitely were not vanishing from my life. Having too much time on my hand, I decided to make this list and pass it on to others.
I did, and it completely changed my view of my personal life. I never noticed that soft music, cinnamon scones, and a hot shower after the gym has been helping me relax. I also never noticed that I always had friends to pour my negativities on. I never noticed that small things like comforters in winter, greetings from strangers and even watermelon in the summer can give me so much satisfaction.
I realized that I’ve been ungrateful. Nevertheless, I had a shelter to keep me warm, enough food to keep me fed, and a healthy body. These that I had taken for granted are in fact a huge role in my life—combined, they are called security, comfort, and happiness.
I then started listing out everything I appreciate each day, and I gradually learned to enjoy the ordinaries and regard them as magnificent.
Now, as I step into the 19th year of my life, I can genuinely tell myself that I am content with everything I have now. Things I don't possess at this moment, I'm working hard to reach them. Things I already have now, I remind myself of the days I prayed for them to happen in my life.
