When drinking water, never forget its source
Each night, before I fall asleep, I imagine myself traveling all over the world, seeking out adventures, and creating vivid memories while writing my novels. Like many Mongolian youngsters, I always dream about fleeing from my countryside because of its political chaos and socioeconomic crisis, yet chasing after all the utopia, instagramable lifestyle of rich countries promoted on social media.
You may wonder that even though I’m fromBayan-Ulgey province, what we call Mongolian Switzerland, I haven’t traveled over its breathtaking nature.
With the help of Covid, I discovered what epic lands we are given but haven’t discovered or imagined yet. But this summer trip throughout my countryside has shed light on my shallow mind and changed it upside down.
My grandfather used to proclaim that when drinking water, never forget it’s the source.
Until this summer trip, I never fully appreciated the true meaning of this ancient proverb. During a family trip throughout my province, I realized the following three things. I truly understood the meaning of when drinking water, never forget its source…
Breathing Mongol Altai’s pure air deeply, seeing the vast, captivating land, my relatives’ hospitality, and the wrinkles on my parents’ faces made me realize how cynical I’ve become.
We often forget about the cost of today’s peace, comfort, and prosperity we have. What I want to say is do not forget to appreciate and acknowledge your parents and where you are from because mostly, we don’t know what they sacrificed to make our life better.
- If you have ever considered immigrating to a developed country, I would highly suggest you visit your hometown and think twice about it. We have too few populations in a vast land, meaning that there is a lot to be done by us to achieve sustainable yet prosperous development for our future.
Mongolia needs you and me. Our joint contribution to this country is way more impactful than we’re implementing something in other countries.
The Dalai Lama said to visit somewhere you have never been once a year. I guarantee you, most importantly, you appreciate many things in life.
Untouched gorgeous homeland, the spirit of nature, and my parents are my true source of strength, energy, and inspiration.
No matter where life takes you when drinking water, never forget its source…
Let's not forget to be grateful for the challenges, opportunities, and people who helped build a better and stronger version of ourselves.
