From Entitlement to Enlightenment: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

I was 13 when I first felt the sting of entitlement. It was my birthday, and I had been eagerly anticipating a new bicycle, something I had been dropping hints about for months. When the day arrived, I ran downstairs to the sight of a pile of presents, my heart pounding with excitement. I tore through the wrapping paper, expecting to see the gleaming metal frame and shiny new tires of the bike I had dreamed about. But instead, I found clothes, books, and a few small toys. There was no bicycle.

My disappointment quickly morphed into anger. I threw a tantrum, shouting at my parents and accusing them of not caring about what I wanted. My parents were taken aback by my outburst. My mother, with tears in her eyes, tried to explain that they couldn’t afford a new bike this year because of some unexpected expenses. My father stood silently, his face a mix of sadness and frustration.

That night, my parents sat me down for a serious talk. They explained how hard they worked to provide for the family and how my outburst had hurt them deeply. I felt ashamed but couldn’t fully understand the gravity of my actions. The seed of entitlement had been planted, and it would take years to uproot.

As I grew older, the entitlement followed me. At 18, I expected to get into my top choice of college, not because I had worked hard, but because I believed I deserved it. When the rejection letter came, I was devastated. I blamed everyone but myself—my teachers, the admissions committee, even my parents for not pushing me harder. It was a harsh wake-up call.

In my early twenties, I carried this sense of entitlement into my first job. I assumed promotions and accolades would come my way simply because I showed up. When they didn’t, I grew resentful and bitter. My colleagues began to distance themselves from me, and my boss gave me a stern warning about my attitude. It was then I realized that my sense of entitlement was not only holding me back but also damaging my relationships.

The turning point came at 25 when I decided to pursue a master’s degree. This time, I worked tirelessly, knowing that nothing would be handed to me. I studied late into the night, took on internships, and networked tirelessly. When I graduated with honors, the sense of achievement was profound. For the first time, I understood the value of hard work and perseverance.

By the time I was 30, I had built a successful career. Reflecting on my journey, I realized the consequences of my entitlement: lost opportunities, strained relationships, and a delayed understanding of the value of hard work. The lesson learned was clear—entitlement breeds disappointment and resentment, while hard work and humility pave the way to true success.

Looking back, I am grateful for the struggles and the hard lessons. They shaped me into a person who values effort over expectation and gratitude over greed. The journey from entitlement to enlightenment was not easy, but it was necessary, and it made all the difference in who I am today.