Don’t wish to be rich

Growing up, my parents didn’t have much to offer to me and my brother. Don’t get me wrong, we had all the necessary things like food, decent clothes and toys, and even a vacation or little presents once in a while. I could basically say I wasn’t the poorest kid in my class, and definitely not the richest.

This is why going to school was particularly hard for me sometimes. I clearly remember one time of the year I wasn’t expecting impatiently. The week after Christmas was a “nightmare” for me. It was the time when all the kids at school gathered around and shared stories about what they received for Christmas. For those who don’t know, in my country at least, in the holiday season, there are two traditions. Kids usually receive candy and fruits on December 6 from a so-called saint Nicholas, and on December 25, gifts ( usually toys )  from Santa Claus. And because my parents didn’t afford all the necessary money for both holidays, they only gave us candy and fruits on December 6. But all the kids got that. They weren’t even mentioning that to the other kids, as it wasn’t as fun as the gifts part from Santa Claus. They were talking only about what Santa got them.

I didn’t get anything.

To not look like a fool in front of the other kids, I always had to come up with a lie that day. I was really nervous that the other kids could find out I didn’t get anything. Even though it may sound silly it was my worst nightmare at that time as a kid.

I remember one year, going with my mom shopping for food, I fell in love with a plush toy, a husky dog ( I still have it ). I wanted it so bad, I stayed with my mom there for 20 minutes I think to try to convince her to buy it for me. I promised I wouldn’t ask for anything ever. She was so nice and eventually got it for me, even though it truly was a financial effort for her. I was so happy that day, I can’t describe it in words. One of the best days of my entire life. If you could imagine, 25 years and one of my best memories is getting a plush husky dog ( that probably cost like $10 or something ).

Of course, I had many moments when I was upset or angry, asking why. Why I couldn’t have what other kids did? Why didn’t my parent gave me more?

I knew since then, part of the answer. They didn’t give me more because they didn’t have more. They were heartbroken knowing that they are not able to give us everything. Because every parent wants to see their child happy. But what they didn’t know, and what I recently learned, was that this was actually a blessing.

Not having everything was one of the greatest things that could ever happen to me, and I am now very grateful for that.

Because this was my biggest motivation in life. I always had something to dream about, a goal to achieve and most importantly, a reason to be happy and healthy. Not having everything I wanted, made me want to study more, made me want to be financially independent, made me want to do great things in life, to be able to make all my dreams come true and also be able to take care of my parents.

Don’t wish to be rich, wish to always have a motivation to grow and develop and just be happy.