Is it a challenging moment or a life-changing moment?

Once upon a time, during my seventh-grade journey, I stumbled upon a moment that would change the course of my literary aspirations forever.

It was a day like any other, yet it held within it a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't quite articulate. Excitement, anger, joy, and frustration mingled within me as I realized the gravity of what was unfolding.

I had penned my first poem, pouring my heart and soul into each chosen word meticulously. It was a piece that resonated with me deeply, a tribute to the love and strength of a mother and I named it “Mother is God”.

The events that followed unfolded swiftly. Our class was tasked with submitting our poems to Krishna, our class leader. I already submitted mine the day before, eager to share my creation. However, fate had a different plan in store for me.

As I entered the classroom the next day, I was greeted with a scene that left me speechless. Four of my classmates were huddled together, poring over my poem, and some copying it word for word. To add to my astonishment, Krishna himself was engrossed in coping with my work, intending to present it under the guise of Class 7-C's collective effort.

A surge of conflicting emotions washed over me. Anger and frustration threatened to consume me, yet a quiet determination simmered beneath the surface. I knew I had to reclaim what was rightfully mine, not through confrontation, but through surpassing my limits.

With newfound resolve, I retreated to a quiet corner and, set pen to paper once again. This time, I poured even more passion into my words, crafting an enhanced version of my original poem. Every line was a testament to my dedication, I poured my heart and soul into every word, adding extra lines, redefining some, and including a conclusion with touching words about motherhood a reflection of my undying love for motherhood and art.

I signed it proudly as R. Yuvashree, Class 7-C.

Days turned into weeks, and, before I knew it, the moment of reckoning arrived. Our class teacher unaware of the underlying drama, brought forth a magazine that would forever alter my perception of success. With bated breath, I watched as she turned to a page that bore my name, my poem immortalized in print for the world to see with a picture of a mother and baby on the right side. My poem was placed in the centre filling the whole page.

The room erupted in applause; accolades showered upon me. At that moment, I realized the true power of appreciation.

That was my first appreciation as a child. I was an introvert at school and would hardly speak in class, or participate in events. So, the applause wasn't just about the recognition; it was about the validation of my passion, the affirmation that my voice mattered.

When I came home that evening, I showed the poem to my father, he patted me. To my surprise, the next day my father framed the poem and hung it in the living room.

From that day forward, I embraced every opportunity to hone my craft. I participated in speech competitions, poured my thoughts into prose, and let my imagination soar. Each appreciation, no matter how small, served as a stepping stone toward my dreams and motivated me to explore more.

As I look back, on that pivotal moment, I am reminded of two invaluable lessons.

First, “True competition lies not in surpassing others but in surpassing oneself.”

And second, “Appreciation is not just a fleeting moment of validation; it is the fuel that propels us toward consistent growth and success.”

“Even a simple act of appreciation can change the world.”

So, dear reader, I invite you to reflect on your journey. What was your first taste of appreciation or motivation? How did it shape the path you walk today? Share your stories, for in them lie the essence of our collective journey towards greatness.