Sunflower Among the Weeds
We are only attracted to the cluster of sunflowers in a garden that is well cared for and nurtured. But who cares about the only sunflower growing among the weeds? The gardener took no notice of it, and neither did we. We are all drawn to the fact that the sunflowers in the garden are way more exquisite than the sunflowers among the weeds. We refuse to acknowledge the solitude and survival of the sunflower among the weeds as we become overwhelmed by the perfection of the sunflower garden. If only we knew that the sunflower among the weeds is also the same in the garden, but just in an inappropriate place, waiting for someone to regard them as beautiful as the rest. It is all about taking time to notice this little creation.
The Ageing Parents
There is a sudden grief in realising how people aged without our consent and knowledge. This sudden realisation saddens us to the core as it awakens our senses that we don't have enough time to spend and live. We usually loathe our parents for how dominating they are and despise them when they ask us to spend quality time with them. But do we ever notice how desperate they are just to have a brief moment with us? Do we notice the fine wrinkled skin symbolising all the tribulations and burdens they endured in the past years? Do we ever notice the tired eyes and shrinkage face that symbolise the weight of time and exhaustion over the years? A little moment spent with them, sharing emotions, communicating, and praising them shouldn't be an arduous task, but a commitment purely from the heart. It is about taking time to notice such changes to eschew further regrets.
The Well-wishers
We are so consumed by the thought of people always being kind to us and commiserating with us in every situation. We only regard people who love us loudly, who are available only when we need emotional support. But do we ever take time to cherish the people who are our well-wishers? They are the people who uphold you through every phase of life. Every birthday at 12:00, every fallen eyelash, every 11:11 theory, every shooting star, every birthday candle, and every coin tossed in the fountain, someone is praying for your good health and wishing for a stronger bond with you. Somehow, we get influenced by our peers who are wealthier than us. We envy the opulent things they own, the independent life they live, and the way they socialise with people. We get overwhelmed by how they treat us, considering them generous and kind. They often make us feel inferior and gawky. But do we ever reflect on the kind of relationship we share with the true one? We give less appreciation to our friends who are in the same status as we are. They are the people who understand us to the depths of our hearts and souls. They don't make us feel inferior or break our confidence. They are the ones who lift us in our lowest. They are the ones with whom we can be ourselves with no judgment. We should also introspect ourselves about the people we are with. We should be prudent enough to recognise who our true friends are.
The Healing Nature
The world can be cruel. Sometimes things may not go according to your favour, and sometimes the burden may weigh on your shoulders, draining your whole body, mind, and soul. Your emotions may be too complicated, and at one point, you may feel worthless. You may be feeling irresponsible, or maybe the expectations of your parents, family, and society are weighing on you more than they should be. But nature never disappoints. This wonderful creation of God is healing and therapeutic. Every creation serves a divine purpose, and so do we. The rivers flowing like veins on earth, nourishing lives. The mountains, tall and sturdy, are a testament to nature’s endurance. The leaves on the tree each hold a different story. The change of seasons teaches us to let go of things that are not meant for us. The sedately moving clouds symbolise the whispers and flow of time. In the same way, our lives evolve too. We fail, we heal, and we grow. This creation is rather rare and resplendent. Remember, like all creation, we also serve a divine purpose. A purpose to treat people with kindness, a purpose to give back to those less fortunate, a purpose to fulfill our heart's desire, a purpose to build and nurture healthy bonds with people, a purpose for self-discovery, a purpose to grow and develop our mindset and behaviours, and a purpose to leave a timeless legacy. Be a little kinder to yourself and love yourself a little.
Appreciate every little thing and cherish every moment. Reconnect with nature and reflect on your life. It is the ultimate way to soothe a soul and renew the mind.
The Stories of Strangers
We don't completely understand or resonate with the people we meet. Each one has a different story to narrate. They go through their own ordeals and ease. They react to it differently. We will never fathom their experiences, not even a fraction of them. Some stories speak louder in silence, while some have the need to narrate. Some stories remain unfinished due to inhumanity or universal fate, whereas others are miserable while they're happening. Each person will carry their own tales, either with joy or sorrow. You will never really understand a person unless you put yourself in their shoes. Therefore, we should not be too quick to judge a person. Be kind to people. Smile at strangers, maybe you'll make their gloomy day a little better. Compliment someone, maybe they are feeling insecure about their looks. Praise someone about their work; maybe they are having a hard time pleasing their superiors. Be a good listener; maybe they are overwhelmed by their emotions. Console someone in need, maybe they've lost a close one. Help someone pay their groceries, maybe they've lost a job. Take time to discern and understand people because we don't truly know what they are going through. We should not let our pride get over our humanity. Be a benevolent person and treats people with compassion and love, considering that the world sometimes can be cruel and merciless.
It is paramount to have a lucid view of life in general to achieve supreme satisfaction and understand the purpose of life. Life becomes worth living when we appreciate every little thing rather than chase perfection. Chasing perfection will only demoralize our goals and further lead to a melancholic life.