The Power of Sharing

Every time I returned to Japan and saw the beautiful cherry blossoms alone, I couldn’t help thinking that if my friends in China were here, sharing this beautiful scene together with me, it would be the nicest thing ever. Sharing is one of the most important things I’ve learned in my life. Share your ideas, your feelings, your sadness, and of course, share your joy; my friends have taught me this over time.

One of the happiest moments in my life occurred during the summer of 2005. Every night of that summer, I had to take lessons to prepare for our national composition contest while my friends were enjoying their beautiful summertime. Honestly, I only felt a huge pressure and no joy at all. I desperately longed to join in their fun.

When my cell phone rang, I was on the way home from my teacher’s house, disappointed again for not being able to join my friends. I picked up my friend’s call casually, however, to my surprise; I heard the sound of fireworks and other people’s excited voices instead of hers. I was stunned. I carefully listened to the sound of booming fireworks, imagining their going up, and the dark sky suddenly colored by them. It was a fantastic moment and a totally fresh experience. I enjoyed every second of it. And my heart got warmer and warmer as I took in all the excitement.

When my friend’s excited voice came to my ears, I really thought she was a sweet angel. I appreciated her sharing what she was enjoying on that beautiful night. And, I also appreciated her from the depth of my heart for being a true friend. “Can you hear it? Isn’t that cool?” she said. I could tell her happiness and joy. I replied with a laugh, since I was not able to find better words to tell her how happy and moved I was. “How was your lesson today?” she asked. I told her the lesson was as cool as the fireworks. It was magical, because, her call alone made everything bright and happy, even my unpleasant lessons.

Sharing is the way of showing our love and care to our beloved. We are indeed individuals; however, since we live in this world, we are connected to other people. Connection is definitely needed so that we can be brave, strong and happy, so we know that we are not alone, but supported by the many people around us. I believe that the power of sharing is very strong. It strengthens the connection between people; it doubles our happiness while it mitigates our sadness. Sharing is also a way of communication. If you are not that good at expressing your love to others in words, then share your joy, like my friend did! People will receive the warmth from your heart anyway.

The fireworks that my friend shared with me that night were the most beautiful and impressive ones that I have ever “seen”. And the warmth left in my heart has never disappeared, which reminds me of how sharing, even in small ways, can bring happiness to people around me.