I have so many apps on my phone,’ said Rinku. ‘I wish I had an app that could change my life like magic.’
‘There’s an app for that,’ said Rakesh. ‘The Appreciation App! It changes dull lives into magical ones.’
Rahul and Rinku checked their phones. ‘Really?’ said Rahul. ‘I can’t find it, bhaiyya. Do I have to buy it?’
‘It’s not on your phone, Rahul’ smiled Rakesh. ‘It’s already installed within you. All you have to do is use it.’
‘How do we use this app, bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.
‘By simply appreciating people and things in your life,’ said Rakesh. ‘How many times have you used the app today? Yesterday? Last week?’
Rinku and Rahul looked sheepish. ‘Zero, bhaiyya. There’s nothing worth appreciating in our lives.’
‘Looks like you’re using the wrong app, the Complain App,’ said Rakesh. ‘Okay, let’s do this, use the Appreciation App on ten things in your life right now.’
‘Hmm,’ said Rinku. ‘I appreciate you, bhaiyya, your canteen fundas, Rahul for being on this journey with me, Chotu’s service, Liaquat’s canteen, chai, biscuits... wow, the more I look, the more things I find to appreciate.’
‘Family, friends, home, health, nature, air, life itself…,’ added Rakesh. ‘When we actively look for things to appreciate, we become aware of all the good in our life. Appreciation changes our perspective, our attitude and our world. Do you feel better after using the app or worse?’
‘Better, bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘Never thought that there’s so much to appreciate in our lives.’
‘Now, convey your appreciation to the people you listed and watch more magic unfold,’ said Rakesh.
Rinku nodded and used the app immediately. ‘Chotu, your chai is superb. And I like your service too.’
Chotu’s eyes lit up. ‘Thanks, didi. Shall I get you some biscuits? They’re fresh.’
Rahul appreciated Liaquat, the canteen owner. ‘He’s very friendly,’ said Rahul. ‘Offered me a pastry too.’
Rakesh laughed, ‘Things are changing already.’
‘How long should we appreciate for the magic to happen?’ asked Rahul.
‘Rahul, it’s a magic key you possess,’ said Rakesh. ‘Don’t be stingy with it. The more you use it, the bigger the effect. Appreciate all that you have now, however small, and watch things change magically. And most importantly, don’t forget to appreciate yourself.’
‘Thanks, bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I’m the best at ordering samosas.’’
Pro Tip: Actively appreciate people and things in your life. Then watch your relationships and the world change.
