By DANICA SILAN
Staff Writer

When I was a little girl, I wanted the shiny pink bike with the high-pitched horn and the purple pedals. I forced my mom to drive me to Target every weekend so I could see my future bike. I daydreamed about how all the other girls would be jealous of me.
I wanted, I wanted, I wanted.
When I was a teenage girl, I needed to wear the sparkly pink dress with the obnoxious ruffles and the purple detailing. I forced my dad to drive me to Forever 21 the weekend before Homecoming so I could see my future dress. I daydreamed about how all the other girls would be jealous of me.
I needed, I needed, I needed.
When I was a grown woman, I had an adorable daughter with rosy pink cheeks and an energetic soul. She never wanted to let go of her favorite purple blanket. I forced my husband to drive me to Best Buy so I could buy a new camera to take our family portrait. I daydreamed about how all the other girls would be jealous of me.
I had, I had, I had.
The funny thing is, the other girls were not jealous of me, even though I had gotten all that I wanted and needed. Looking back now, that should not have been my life’s focus.
I should have been more thankful for the new bike, the pink dress and the amazing life with my family.
I should have worried have worried less about what others thought of me and more about what I thought of myself.
I should not have forced my mom, my dad, and my husband to drive me to places. Instead, I should have given them something of mine, something from the heart.
I am blessed to have had all that I wanted and more. I wish I could go back and say thank you.
Just remember: You’re blessed, you’re blessed, you’re blessed.