So many people are a lot more fortunate than they think. Sometimes you may think the world is crumbling down when you actually are a lot more fortunate than you realize. It doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to be upset, but remember that if you have a roof over your head, if you have someone that loves you, and you have food on your table every night, you are a lot more fortunate than you think.
In my early teen years as a teen filled with pity and sometimes angst, I never saw how fortunate I really was. I just looked at everything that was wrong, which, in my dismay, put my real fortunes in the shadows. When you look at all the things that could go wrong in your life, and ignore the parts that are a blessing, you fail to look at the beautiful things you have. Maybe you have your favorite record on vinyl, or you got a B in a class you were struggling in. But the little things do matter. If you only counted the big things in life, and disregarded the small things, life wouldn’t be as beautiful. Sometimes, something you are fortunate to have isn’t a thing, but a memory of a good time you had with your favorite person.
The fact is, when looking at all the pity you have, you may forget what you do have. So don’t forget the beautiful things, even if most of your life seems grey. And if you do appreciate what you do have, know that it is a blessing. Everything you love; materials, people, time, it can be taken away, so be careful not to take things for granted.
That being said, when you can appreciate what you have, remember the moments when you have been helped. When people have gave something to you. Not necessarily materials or money, but when someone gave you their time. A wonderful and irreplaceable gift you can give someone is your time. Maybe you’ll take the time to listen to the problems of a stranger who looked upset, or maybe your friend is going through a breakup, and you take time out of your day to bring them ice cream and watch their favorite shows, because they don’t necessarily want to talk about it. And sometimes, materials are helpful. Sometimes that extra change you had to spare meant the world to someone who is homeless and bought them dinner. Think about it -- giving back might just get you an organ from a stranger that you needed to survive.
Giving is a beautiful art form that requires nothing but a heart. Materials aren’t necessary for giving. The act of giving to someone without asking for anything in return is enough. You can give love or a prayer to someone who is sad or heartbroken. Help someone cross the street if they look like they’re struggling. If you don’t have money to spare, maybe you could spend a moment of your time chatting with someone who is homeless, so they don’t feel as invisible as people treat them. Giving comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. It all comes from the language of love, and that is a beautiful thing.
