You and your background

27/02/23

On my grandmother's birthday, my family took her out to a coastal district and had lunch by the sea.

Once we were seated, food were ordered. I sat across my grandparents facing the sea while they faced the interior of the restaurant. While I was admiring the sea view, at this instance, I thought to myself, " how well are my grandparents complementing the picturesque sea view."

The clarity and calmness of the sky, the cool breeze from the north wind, the sharp contrast between the woods and the sea. Together with the sound of waves and the smell of spring, this must be a dream.

A grateful one.

Then came a thought that made me ponder upon. They can never know where they stand in this scenic view without putting the extra effort to turn their heads around. Just like how a I will never notice my privileges when I never face my background. I was never born to have this skill. I was essentially born to take them for granted. But does it do me any good living in this illusion? A filtered wonderland?

I've heard enough tragedy and regrets on how people learn to realise their luxury and comfort only after they were snatched away by force. The only thing I can hone is to raise my awareness towards the practice of gratefulness even without experiencing unfavourable conditions.

Skills exist to manage or solve problems. So, in a way, does gratefulness count as one?

As I slowly came back from my thoughts, I grabbed my camera, snatched a photo and showed them their background. A beautiful one.