The Most Important Thing I Learnt in 2024

If you were to ask me what the greatest thing I learnt in 2024 was, it would be Gratitude. 

Gratitude is something that sounds so simple yet so profound and unspoken. In our busy lives, we often forget the small moments that we cherish, or the people that we love so much, or even think about the times when we thought luck was on our side. 

Especially here in Singapore, we do pretty much the opposite of gratitude— we are so well known for our “complain culture” and honestly, stepping back and observing people around you grumble isn’t the most positive thing to experience. We’ve blamed life before for the many problems we faced— often which are those we’ve contributed to. 

“The weather is so hot today!”

“I don’t have any new clothes!” 

Sometimes, we may forget that in many other parts of the world, there are people who are worrying about their lives. Yet we are here complaining about trivial inconveniences while enjoying many other luxuries. 

This past year was definitely not any easier than the previous ones. Struggling with the loss of friends was my rough patch last year. Feeling like a ghost was the only thing that occupied my mind; I couldn’t see past this bad experience. Well, life doesn’t really give you what you want. I wanted those friends back. 

But only because life threw me this hurdle, only then I could actually realise the things, the memories and the people around me that actually mattered to me. I took many people for granted until they were gone. Perhaps if I was more appreciative of these people, they wouldn’t let go so easily.

It was hard, but I really appreciate that process for making me who I am today, and I’m thankful for all the friends I’ve found on the way, even those that I lost, for indirectly helping me to clear the woods. 

After writing this, I’ll go to my loved ones: my family, my friends — and tell them: Thank you. I love you. 

Ever since, gratitude has made my life into a more uplifting one. Focussing on the positive parts of life has made my turbulent self into a happier and optimistic person. 

If you’ve reached this part of my writing, thank you for reading this. Let’s thank the universe for the blessings we have received in life. 

Gratitude is a habit. 

“The weather is beautiful today!”

“I’m so lucky to have these clothes!”

Who knew that a little change in mindset could change the entire outlook of life?

Mischa Sim

Secondary 3 Purity

2025