|
However, that doesn't mean that I have learned enough to be in a position to justify. I have learned more than him, maybe. But my father always has to remind me of how cruel the world is, and my mother always warns me not to get into any sexual activity with that beloved MITer of mine. It's not that they don't trust me, it's just... they know that I haven't learned enough.
So what have I not learned? Well, if I knew, then I would have already learned it. As far as my knowledge allows, I realized that I should be grateful for everything I have and every moment of my life. And I really, really mean it. I know that the difference between me and some 17 year old housewife in Sudan is essentially just where we were born into. The unfair randomness. So, why bother nagging about not having good food, not having a big room, not having nicer clothes, when I have food to eat, a place to live in, and clothes to wear?
I know, I know, it sounds theoretical. But there is a real difference between persuading yourself that you're lucky and actually understanding how lucky you are. I can't say that actually, since I have never experienced extremes. But still, when I say " i appreciate everything", I know I really mean it. I know, in person, a little girl who loves piano but can't afford even the cheapest keyboard, and so she draws keys on the ground and moves her fingers on them. And so, when I played the old, "terrible" keyboard in my residence, i was glad that I had a keyboard to play. When there is a blackout, I often worry about the assignment due the next day, but instead of cursing the situation, I always find myself lying on the grass looking at the stars relaxingly or playing music in the dark - the piano, the acoustic guitar, or the flute. Oh - the flute - it's really a great invention of our ancestors. Someone says music is the global language, and that's so true. Although I'm best at and love piano, there are times that the piano becomes a luxury to me, because of it so-called nobility. I do perform and love concerto music; however, I still think that music is more about universal. That's why I'd like to have my bamboo flutes and my harmonica with me anytime. I'm so bad at them, but actually, who cares, as long as with them I can play music and easily show others how to do.
Oh, and when I say "appreciate everything", it includes also nature and events/ opportunities. I guess that's how I learned to care about environment and the mutuality of relationships. Talking about that, those who don't care to maintain the mutuality of relationships are naive by my definition, since they haven't learn the precious value of it. And that's what I called arrogance, complacence, hostility, self-centered, egoism. I remember some one on BBC saying : you don't have to insult others to be frank. Well, my comment is, at this point, clear.
But, it's really a nice feeling, everyday you wake up and say thank you for everything, smile with everything you receive in your life, and demand no more than what you need to get. Once you've learned to love your life as it is, you'll be happy. It's just how you see life.
And once you've learned to appreciate your random luckiness, you'll feel no need for luxuries. Well, I don't know actually, maybe it's just me. Anyways, I think the simpler I take it, the more joy I'll have and the more I know I have to do, can do and willing to do. The more I do, the more I'll change. To change the world, you have to first change yourself.
But, OK, it's not a matter of knowledge, it's a matter of belief. By knowledge, I know very well how ugly the world is... well, maybe I don't, but I do know that the world is either as ugly as or more ugly than I know it is. But by belief, I believe I have the rights and responsibility to appreciate it, and I'm indeed very happy to do so. It will be a lie if I say that I strongly believe I will change the world. However, I do believe that I'll never change anything if I don't try.
Well, I don't know why I'm writing this at 2 am the day I'm having my English year 1 exam. But I'm feeling really good now... and I do believe in myself and our - my and his - desire to make a difference. Thanks for reading :)
|
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
Cat
-We're innocently standing by
Watching people loosing lives
It seem as if we have no voice
It's time for us to make a choice
Only god could decide
Who will live and who will die
There's nothing that can't be done
If we raise our voice as one-
Michael Jackson, "We've had enough"
|
Comments
changing the world Josephine Danuor | May 9th, 2007
I really appreciate this writing that changing the world we have to change first. Changing firat also talks in terms of attidude. How we bave towards our fellow beings. Changing the world without love can never be a better place especially where politicians fight for power ending up in a whole lot of conflicts.I strongly believe that acting fairly to one another would bring a lot of change to the world though the world is unfair.We can all make our dreams come true if we know where we are heading.
Attitude is important Hong-Anh Nguyen | Nov 15th, 2007
You own very good perspectives, especially at your age. Keep going. I hope you will discover your vision for life. Cheers.
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
