The Miniature Earth

I remember my high school Biology teacher showed me this years ago. He was one of my favorite teachers, due to his love for the planet Earth and his passion for marine animals. Not only was he academically a good teacher, he was also a good mentor, as he always taught us to appreciate nature and what we have. He was the one that raised my awareness about recycling and conserving energy/water resources.

 

http://www.miniature-earth.com/

I think what I learned from this video is to be grateful for what I have. Sometimes we never see the insignificant things in life until we lose them, and this can mean anything, literally anything, in life. Before I moved out from my home in Thailand and started living alone in Taiwan, I used to take everything for granted. I grew up with people around me that are from wealthy families, some even Thai royalty! They lived in big houses with swimming pools and even parking lots with imported sport cars. Back then, I felt so inferior that my greatest fear was for them to come visit my house, which was why I never invited any of my friends over. My life was so superficial that I used to starve myself just to save up my allowance for buying designer clothes. I cared about how people perceive me and I was afraid of being judged, but now, I feel ashamed of myself from having those thoughts. As we age and become more independent, we start to see things differently and we start to learn to appreciate what was given to us. Recently, I argued with my father over the phone. An emergency occurred, and I have to return to Thailand twice within two weeks. With such a short notice, I had to book my flight, apply for Visa and permission to leave Taiwan, as well as the documents to bring home. I was so stressed because I had to miss classes and do make up assignments that I got impatient with my father. I felt bad after hanging up the phone. He has given me so much in my life, yet when some things don't go right, I immediately lash it out on him or my mother, which is why lately I've been doing a lot of thinking and reflection. Although I used to blame my parents for neglecting me because of work, I should really be thankful for what they are doing for me.

So, the lesson from this week is to learn to appreciate everything in life...food, clean supply of water, your phone, your computer, internet access, education, clothes, a bed to sleep in, and somewhere to rest when it's raining outside! Above all, don't forget to thank your parents and tell them that you love them!