My first impression of the dancers from Nicaragua was that they were very young. Their faces were so innocent and vibrant with life, and the way they conducted themselves – giggling amongst each other and laughing at little jokes – reminded me of my early teenage years. If I were to guess, I would probably say that none of them were beyond the age of 17.

The manner in which they spoke about life and the thought processes behind their psychology, however, gave me the impression that they were much older than their years. They were eager to share with us their lives and with it their humbling backgrounds and journeys. They told us stories of daily hassles, of the incessant struggle for subsistent and survival. And yet despite their apparent difficulties, none of them ever spoke with self-pity or attempted to elicit a likewise response from the audience. How is it that they can just bypass the negative aspects of life?

The Nicaraguans responded with a simple answer: “by being around your loved ones and showing care and respect for one another.” Our visitors were a happy bunch and seem to achieve happiness spiritually rather than materialistically. They did not need the comforts of a nice bed, flat screen TV, or a phone; rather, they sought company and love. I think that way of living is an admirable but rare virtue. In the US, teens more often than not assess their happiness based what they possess and how much they possess. I was not surprised, then, when one of the dancers stated that we Americans seem very hollow inside. We have what we want, and yet our desires are never quite fulfilled. In contrast, the Nicaraguan own so little, and yet they feel content with their daily lives. Their success with happiness is no secret, as they reveal that appreciation is the only ingredient. However, for us, learning how to appreciate what we are given at birth and take for grant may be the greatest challenge itself.