The bright, shimmering sea sways back and forth as a soft breeze skims over the water’s surface. Streaks of white trail the small boats as they move like paint on a canvas. Overhead, the sun emits a gentle light that makes the whole world glow. This is Èze, a small coastal town in southern France known for its picturesque views and unique architecture.

I sit on the balcony of the hotel restaurant with my mother and father. We have just finished a dessert of chocolate cake, the finishing touch to our three-course lunch. My parents sip their cups of coffee as we silently look out across the sea. Although we do not speak, we all have the same thought: if we could, we would stay in this peaceful place forever. 

Later, after our trip around France came to an end, I realized that although the last couple of weeks were packed with memorable events, such as visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris and walking along the packed beaches of Nice, the short trip to Èze was what stood out to me the most. Although it was merely a small village compared to nearby coastal cities, its rustic towers and winding paved pathways, which dated back to medieval times, held a palpable and unquestionable charm. Perhaps it was the sense of calm that the panoramic view brought, capturing our attention and drawing it to our natural surroundings. During that moment on the balcony, my mind was not filled with chaotic thoughts or concerns; instead, it resembled the sea below: a comforting sort of blankness that brought me much-needed tranquility. That was the part of our trip where I was the happiest.

After school restarted, my life returned to its usual hectic nature. As usual, at the end of the summer, I remember the slight disappointment I felt after admitting to myself that I would no longer have much leisure time. However, not even a year had passed when unexpectedly, a pandemic stopped the entire world in its tracks. Like everyone else, I was disheartened by this unfortunate event, but as the quarantine period extended, I realized that I could use this time to do exactly what I had previously desired. I frequently went on walks around the neighborhood with my parents, and although we did not have access to views as majestic as those in Èze,  I experienced the same exhilaration that comes from breathing fresh air under the sunlight while accompanied by loved ones. Minor details in everyday life, such as the sounds of birds chirping or the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the oven, now made me pause and smile inwardly thinking about them. Experiences that seemed “normal” before, such as talking to relatives and friends or even going to the grocery store, were now highlights of my day. This recent period of time has been difficult in many ways, from lack of social interaction to daunting  news headlines, but at the same time, I am glad that I did not allow it to affect me negatively. Instead, I discovered the importance of appreciation, regardless of how big or small.

 As a student, when my mind is swarming with thoughts of when my next essay is due or how well I performed on my math test, there is barely any room for thinking about how beautiful the sunlight shining through my window looks even though it is right in front of me. I may be sitting at my desk, but I am not present in the moment, instead wondering how I will possibly complete so many necessary tasks in the next two hours. Rather than passively sparing my surroundings a glance, I now know the importance of acknowledging them as well. For instance, simply noticing the rose that grows among the weeds lifts both my smile and my mood. This not only temporarily stops me from thinking about my concerns but also allows me to face any impending challenges with a more positive mindset.

Now that I am in high school, my life has become more packed than ever before. Still, I make every effort to appreciate the world around me and what it has to offer. Never would I have thought that a simple village like Èze held so much beauty, but I later realized that all of it was in plain sight, and I only needed to look a little closer to find it. Discovering the beauty in the larger world brought much more joy into my life than I would ever expect, but after all, is that not what life is all about?