Don't applaud a fish for swimming

“Don’t applaud a fish for swimming.”

It’s a saying that I come across often on social media, and I get it, fish are supposed to swim. With that being said, good behaviour is to be rewarded, and in a world where things can take a sharp turn very quickly, relatively smooth sailing is nothing to scoff at. People are ashamed to speak about the small things they appreciate in life, be it from loved ones or their own accomplishments; because how dare they make a mountain out of an ant hill? No matter how small it is to other people if something makes a difference in your life; you have every right to celebrate it. You don’t applaud a fish for swimming, but in an ocean where many have fallen victim to the perils of the deep; one that is alive and kicking is cause for celebration.

It is the responsibility of a parent to provide the best life possible for their children, but you can still feel a sense of joy and pride when you see how your parent makes an effort to be there for you. You can quietly shed a tear when remembering all the sporting events that they had to cancel plans and sacrifice rest for. A small “thank you for…” can go a long way for a parent, reassuring them that they did right by you, and you appreciate it.

Some parents don’t compensate their children for doing their chores, “because they are supposed to”, but in a time when children can tell their parents to “F-off” with no fear of retribution (thank God for human rights), a child that does their fair share around the home to keep the peace is something to be grateful for, and a little something at the end of the month to say thank you can make a difference. It will make a difference.  A little appreciation goes a long way, even for children.

There was a trend on Twitter sometime last year where someone would post about their partner who did something for them that they appreciated, and others would respond with, “the bar is underground.” This means that the said person’s partner didn’t do much, and they don’t deserve applause. This would extend to parental and marital relationships. A person would post about their partner who took care of the kids while they were busy with a school assignment or major project at work, and they would express their gratitude for having such an amazing partner. They would then receive scalding remarks about how dare they applaud a father for doing what he is supposed to be doing, and the conversation would derail into think pieces, and projections about patriarchy, gender roles, and misogyny. These are valid points they are bringing up and conversations that need to be had, but that’s neither the time nor the place for it. Allow people room to appreciate what they have loudly without raining on their parade

Don’t ever feel ashamed for being grateful for what you have no matter how small. Your anthill could be my mountain and, my greatest achievement might be a minor thing to you in your rear-view mirror not worthy of mention. We each have our own race to run, and to wake up and keep swimming along, is sometimes enough.

 

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