Some things feel natural to us, yet they’re just dreams for others.
A Place to Call Your Own
A home where you can close the door behind you and have peace. I’m 37 years old and have only ever lived with others: my parents, siblings (we’re six siblings), in dorms, and shared apartments.
Quiet Moments
Silence is a treasure few truly appreciate. I only realized this after developing tinnitus. Doctors have been unable to help with my ringing ears for years.
Restful Sleep
If you’ve never struggled with sleep issues, you can’t truly know how priceless a full night’s rest is. I can’t remember the last time I woke up feeling refreshed. My insomnia has been so severe at times that I even considered giving up.
Price Tags
Shopping for groceries without constantly checking prices or calculating if buying sour cream means no money left for bread rolls is a real luxury.
Simple Comforts
I grew up on a farm with no electricity or running water. We used kerosene lamps for light, drew water from a well, and my mom heated it on a stove while we washed in basins. Despite this, I had a happy childhood. Even now, I still get childlike joy from soaking in a warm bath. For me, that’s as much of a luxury as a spa day is for others.
Smooth Skin
The last time I had clear skin was in childhood. At 13, puberty hit hard, and my face broke out worse than my classmates’. I patiently waited for it to clear up. Now, at 36, I’m still battling acne. I’ve tried everything: countless diets, hormone treatments, expensive creams, and therapies. They only help temporarily; the acne always returns. This has led to several serious periods of depression. Dating is tough—I lack confidence, and who would want to kiss a face marked like a cratered pizza? Sometimes on the subway, I watch people with smooth skin and think how unaware they are of this gift.
Braces
My parents couldn’t afford braces, and my classmates called me "bunny," so I’ve struggled with self-esteem my whole life because of my crooked teeth.
Mobility
I never truly valued my health until a serious accident two years ago left me in a wheelchair. If you can walk, take a moment to be grateful that your legs carry you wherever you want to go.
A Companion
I love animals but never had a pet. We lived in a small apartment where my parents wouldn’t even allow a hamster. Later, in dorms and rentals, landlords also banned pets. I adore dogs, but my biggest wish was always a cat—I love cats. Unfortunately, my fiancé is allergic to cat fur, so it seems I may never have my own kitty.
Family Roots
All my friends grew up with loving parents they still have close bonds with. My dad drank and spent all our money, and my mom took out her frustrations on me. As soon as I finished high school, I moved out and in 15 years, I’ve visited them only three times, and those visits were far from pleasant. When my mom called last year to say my dad had died, I felt nothing. Seeing my husband able to call his dad anytime for support, or how his mom lovingly packs food for us, breaks my heart. I never had that security, and even now, thinking of my parents fills me with anxiety.
