Skip to main content

On Being Appreciative (+ A gratitude challenge)

It was one of those sunny afternoons when cabs were scarce. I didn't fancy the 2 minutes and counting wait at the junction but I had to get to school. Good thing was that I wasn't alone ; we were about 15 waiting and then this red bus came into view. It was a familiar one with the university's name inscribed on it and the driver was ready to give as many of us as he could a jolly ride to school. I was reluctant at first but when I thought about the sun, I hopped in. As the bus started moving, I began to feel uncomfortable not only because of the passers-by looking in but also because I was sitting by the window. During the journey that seemed very long, I remembered the two ladies I had offered my seat to because I knew they had an exam that afternoon and I didn't and how they had refused and then the look in their eyes. Or maybe I imagined that?
When we finally got to school, I started praying that the driver would stop at a location far away from people's view. I kept praying till we passed this place I wanted and he finally parked somewhere that well, wasn't so bad. The good thing about sitting by the window that moment was that I got to leave the bus first after appreciating the really kind gesture of the driver.
Later in the day while thinking of the day's events, I remembered the bus and how being in it had felt and I wondered why I felt that way. It suddenly didn't make much sense anymore. Feeling uncomfortable because I was in a bus with the words 'Physically Challenged Students' written on the outside.


Funny how certain people go through this routine every other day. Getting pitiful looks and stares from people not only when they're seen in the bus but also when they walk around as one. Living with the varying degrees of looks wherever they find themselves. Scratch the looks, the cold treatments are worse. It's just sad, really.
To be honest, when I realised that I could have gotten down from the bus with crutches or something worse, I was just weak.

Speaking of crutches, I had to use them sometime back - probably 2010. The day I was to have my leg cast, I remember being in the waiting room of the Orthopedic section, surrounded by people either using crutches and this other stuff I have no idea what it's called and I kept hoping my scan results wouldn't require any of those but then it did. My left leg was put in a cast and I had to be wheeled to where the car was. I definitely didn't find the glares funny. Even when the cast was finally removed, I still had to depend on the crutches for few days after which I started using a knee cap corrector because I had to be in school for an external exam. I didn't appreciate the way people always stared at the blue thing on my knee, trying to figure out what it was. I didn't appreciate the questions from teachers and seniors. I didn't appreciate the overall attention but one thing I enjoyed was the fact that I could get to the dining hall late and not have to kneel down.
My point exactly?

- Be thankful for every little thing. Not just as a state of mind now but deliberately mention them.
- Let's try to cut down on the seemingly pitiful glares. They aren't appreciated.
- Don't treat others any less just because you seem to be more fit than they are or you have something they don't. Because..
- So much can happen in a day! When I left home that day, I had no idea I wouldn't be walking in on my own.

"You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle." - Paulo Coelho

THE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE

Two days after I drafted this post, I read Kachi's post on Ways to be more grateful in our everyday life and she asked for those who were interested in a Gratitude Challenge. I definitely was because this is no coincidence. I started quite late but it's been fun so far as I not only get to be introspective but also get to think back through 2016 and count my blessings till the year runs out. It's never too late! You can join in using this picture which makes it easier as a guide.


I usually have so many questions to ask after each post, right now I don't but How are you guys and what are you grateful for?

xxx

P.S : I have a slightly similar post where I talked about how no day is normal. You can read it up HERE

Comments

  1. Hey Ola!!!!! Am thinking of Also doing this 30 days gratitude challenge, it's really amazing how we just overlook so many things and start acting like we deserve to be something or the other when there are other people, innocent people, with some problem that has been tagged permanently to them
    quirksandoutfits.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should do it!
      It doesn't have
      to be December.

      Delete
  2. Very inspiring post.
    It's funny how we tend to take the little things in our lives for granted. I remember growing up, I should to wish for a lot of things and I still remember the look on my mum face when she would lecture me on appreciating the ones I've already instead of asking for more. It took me a while but I finally understood my mum and all the things she was trying to tell me.
    I'm thankful each day for the gift of life and also for my family and friends.
    My Style Look Book Series

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The childhood
      fantasy was real
      yo. I always tried
      to be picky when
      it comes to food
      but now I know
      better.

      Delete
  3. I think you are one of those who do not like or fancy attention... Help can come from anywhere. That's how God designed it for us. Where you do not expect at all.

    I already had an article written down to post on this same topic: APPRECIATION, but still wondering how to twist it because i posted it on my former blog which is no longer functioning. So, when i finally do it, i will definitely make a link to this your story as backlinks so others can also read this post too.

    Great post OLA..and very inspiring too.




    Brendascouch.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol. I might
      as well be the
      ringleader.
      Yup true, help
      can come from
      anywhere.
      Yaay, lol.
      Thanks dear.
      Anticipating the
      post

      Delete
  4. It's funny how many of us aren't appreciative well enough. I heard about a woman who survived on oxygen being carried around but I'm fine and I don't need oxygen to be carried about. At that point I said thank you Lord. Great post dear

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, great story. It's like you read my mind on this. I'm publishing a post soon on being grateful for the little things. I enjoyed reading this Ola.

    The YC blog || Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Read it already
      and enjoyed it
      too. Thanks
      hun

      Delete
  6. This is very important. I know all about challenges because of my brother. Sometimes I just think about how he feels.! Having to wait for someone to do things for him but not being able to fully communicate this most of the time. But I do thank the Lord for his naturally cheerful personality. I'be been wanting to do this challenge for ages. Thanks for covering this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's definitely
      something! All
      things work
      together for good.
      Thanks for reading
      and sharing. xx

      Delete
  7. Hi Olaa. I really should do this coz I'm facing a few challenges at the moment and it gets really easy to complain and seem ungrateful. We really should be grateful for those things we regard as little. For the fact that we wake up everyday to a new dawn is enough to be grateful. Thanks for sharing.

    Evita In Progress

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Likee! It's really
      easy to complain.
      I guess all we need
      is a conscious effort.

      Delete
  8. This post was beautiful Ola. I've been reading gratitud\de posts all around lately. First it was Kachee's, then Oyindamola's and now yours. I'm beginning to think God is telling me something because I've been really blessed this year. I've just not been thankful enough. Instead I've just been complaining about the things I don't have.
    I just might join that challenge after all. Thank you for writing this.

    http://www.howmojistyledit.com
    10 Fun and Budget-Friendly Activities for the Holiday Season

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks darling.
      I hope you joined/
      you've been more
      appreciative.
      Thank you for
      reading hun

      Delete
  9. I wish I have the diligence to carry out a challenge. I am grateful for everything that has happened to me this year. It has been a really eye-opening one for me.


    www.molarabrown.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sure needs
      dilligence. It's
      quite easy to
      forget about it.
      To be honest.
      Thank God for
      that and thanks
      for reading.

      Delete
  10. I don't mean to be petty,but you're a goddess,i can vividly picture how everything was like and how u must have felt,i really admire your writing skills I've been in situations when I try not to pity them cause I know if I were in their shoes I wouldn't appreciate pity either, but it's hard to see them and not feel bad for them or stare at them,I'm grateful for a lot of things,i can't begin to count but I sure have lots of things to be thankful for, Compliments of the season dear, cheers!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks so much.
      It's really hard
      not to stare but
      then it's not
      cool. There's
      so much to be
      thankful for.
      Thanks Anon.xx

      Delete

Post a Comment

Heyy! Don't go. Share your thoughts with me, please?

You'd Enjoy These Posts Too..

Life Update: 2018 Birthday Post

I was unsure about the idea of writing a birthday post this year because it's not very timely till I checked the posts of the last 2 years - 2016  and 2017 - and I realized they both went up on the 17th of March, 3 days after my birthday so why not continue the trend? Unlike the previous years, this was quite uneventful as I was in transit for some time, traveling to school to get stuff submitted and then rounding everything off pretty late so that I was unable to travel back home that same day. I had no extra clothing or toiletries so that was annoying but I pulled through nevertheless. I have a ritual of getting myself something but so far, I've not really seen what I'm interested in. A God sent person got me a book I've been looking to get my hands on for quite some time now and I was too happyyy! I'm definitely going to update this post with pictures of it later on. I'm really excited and looking forward to all what God has in store for me thi

Quick Life Update : The Abusive Relationship I Am In

I trusted him completely but he broke my heart and still is in the business of breaking it. His promise to always be with me Everywhere I Go was alas a lie. He said that only to catch my attention and make me his. He gave me mouth-watering packages that offered me less for more but it turned out to be a façade. I'm tired and frustrated. I can't carry out my normal routine with all he's been doing. I trusted him just this once and he disappointed me. I never should have promoted him from the zone I placed him in initially. I remember all the times I heard people complain about theirs and I was always relieved I wasn't in their shoes but guess where I am now? I guess that's what life does. Sit in a corner and laugh at you. Nice job. He looks so attractive on the outside but deep down, there's nothing exciting about  him. A big fat façade. I miss the things I could have been doing if I hadn't made the mistake of trusting him too much. His favourite colour is

Wedding Day Thrills : 6 Things I Look Forward to & 3 That I Don't!

Hey guys, I've not posted in a while. Isn't it nice how that screams consistency? Lol jokes. I promise to do better. I was watching TV the other day and came across this 'It's my wedding' program that showcases all the activities couples go through in prep for their wedding day. I remember being insanely attracted to all the Ovation magazines with wedding pictures when I was way younger.  I was constantly devouring the pictures and you'd think I'd grow up to become a bridal consultant or something close. Life oh Life. My mantra has always been 'I'm looking forward to my wedding day and not exactly to marriage' but who am I deceiving? Lol. I think every girl has their wedding fantasy kept somewhere close for easy editing and all so I thought to share some of the reasons I'm looking forward to getting wedded. •  Pre-wedding shoot : Some years back, this wouldn't have been on the list but with all these beautiful and also hilariou