All those awkward hellos
Greetings are easy…right? I mean, it's just a simple word, a means to show your good manners. If that's the case, why are so many hellos so hard to utter? It's almost like an achievement you unlock every time you manage to say a proper Hello without turning into a blushing mess or stuttering on your words. How is it that "Goodbye" is so much easier than "Hello"? Shouldn't an ending be harder than the beginning of something unknown? Hold that thought. I see the problem. It's the unknown part, isn't it? It's what lurks in the shadows. No wonder we are so afraid. No wonder we can't urge ourselves to dwell into the darkness, which is a new relationship. When I say relationship, of course, I don't mean that only in a romantic way. Hmm, maybe relationship is the wrong word to use. Let's call it a connection. Throughout our whole life we establish all kinds of connections, starting with the ones among family members. Those may look like the easiest to maintain, but that isn't even half true. It's the same with everyone, whether they share your blood or not. You will still be faced with another human being, subjected to their own ideals and views on everything. Yeah, it ain't even a bit easy, but you know what? That's the best part. The challenge, the opportunity to test your limits, to grow and become wiser. But let's get back to our main subject.
How come it's much easier to communicate with animals? Is it because of the different species? Is it because they can't talk back? Well, that's not entirely true. They can, but we don't quite understand their language. Here's a simple answer – animals can't harm you…on purpose. They can harm you physically in a certain situation, but it's never because they just want you to suffer. Only humans are "blessed" with such wicked ideas, and, oh, how they love to abuse that opportunity.
We fear other people. It's in our nature to do so, and with good reason. You never know what to expect, and I've found myself disappointed in 9 out of 10 cases. So, with such a low chance to find someone, who won't step all over me, what reason do I have to not hide behind my safety wall? Fighting constantly, being brave can only last so long. At one point you just want everything to stop, everyone to disappear, the world around you to fall into the sweet embrace of silence, the gentle melody of solitude. Instead of talking too much, people need to learn to listen. Instead of being obnoxious, they need to try and walk a mile in someone else's shoes, see the world from their point of view. Only then can their opinion be something more than mere bias. There are always two sides of a coin, two sides of a story, two sides of a mirror. Yes, I AM serious about the last one.
Not everyone, who doesn't greet you, is a bad person. Not everyone, who smiles at you, is a good person. Be the bigger person, be the better person. Not for others, but for you. Don't feel bad, because you're awkward or anxious. You're only human, nothing more and nothing less. Perfectly imperfect.
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The beauty of tears
Have you ever looked in the mirror after crying? Have you ever seen your own tears? Your own face when it's the most vulnerable and honest? Do you realize how beautiful it is? These little salty drops are terribly underrated.
A sign of weakness? Absolutely not! Tears are the shortcut to a human's soul. A person who reveals their soul to you, who entrusts you with something so priceless, that person is far from weak. That person is the strongest of them all because they can bare their soul and still stand up and move on. A person who gives way to their true feelings. Doesn't lie to themselves or others. A person who lives through their pain in order to be free of it will come out of the battle even stronger than before. The one who doesn't know what it's like to cry…they're only half human. Just an empty shell. What's the point in that? What is life without emotions, the ones that build it and move it forward?
Hurts, doesn't it? I know. Drive your fist into the wall; I know you want to! Scream as much as your voice allows; that's how it should be! Suffer for the things that matter! Give your tears for what you believe in! They are the purest expression of feelings, the most beautiful sight, even in sorrow. Though they cause pain, they also heal it. When you say goodbye to them, when you let them leave your eyes, little by little you also let go of the pain.
That is why I am not afraid to cry. That is why I am not scared of my own reflection in the mirror, or my eyes and cheeks soaked with tears. That is why I can cry again and again, and afterwards I will stand up with a smile and face the next challenge. That is why I'm human!
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To play or not to play
Video games—the alternate universe we like to dwell in just a tad too long. What is it about them? What makes them so irresistible, so appealing and time-consuming? Is it the complete control we have over a character in a game, something we usually lack in reality? Or is it the beautiful fantasy world, which doesn't exist outside the computer screen? It's a common saying: you can achieve anything you set your sights on. I'd like to see the person who came up with that saying tame a dragon or rule over an entire kingdom. Completely random examples, of course, the source of which is endless.
As a past, present and future "victim" of video games, I believe I am qualified enough to relay my thoughts on the matter. To me, video games are first and foremost an escape from reality, as is the case for millions of other people. Just like books, they are a portal to different worlds. Other than that, it's simply fun and engaging. It's a chance to experience something impossible in our reality. Of course, like any kind of pleasure, this one also has a price tag. It demands time, money, and physical health. And don't get me started on the psychological influence. Like everything else, as long as you play with a clear sense of moderation, there is nothing to worry about. Once you stray from that goal, the consequences pile up in no time. Headaches, lack of sleep, exhaustion, unhealthy obsession, and isolation from the world around you. The list is long.
Games are fun; there's nothing wrong with indulging in them from time to time. I mean, hey, we are offered countless different realities, including our own. Why not kill multiple birds with one stone? The key is a healthy balance. As long as you remember that, you can be a citizen of as many worlds as you wish.