It was my birthday, a day tinged with a bittersweet anticipation of having everyone I loved gathered together. But amidst the joyous celebration, there was an absence that weighed heavily on my heart—Dad, gone and distant. Aware of the strain on my family, I yearned for nothing more than their happiness. So, I adorned a mask of smiles and laughter, hoping to uplift everyone around me. In school, I sought solace in sharing my struggles with peers, hoping to connect and feel less isolated. Some reacted with surprise, others with empathy. However, there were also those who, not fully grasping the weight of my words, said hurtful things that stung, even if unintended. Amidst the mixed reactions, I often felt awkward and embarrassed around those who knew about Dad, internalizing hurtful labels, even around those who reacted with kindness. When I returned home, still processing the impact of those reactions, Mama gently reminded me of her powerful lesson: "Smash the stigma." She handed me a board and a marker, instructing me to write down all the hurtful names the kids at school had called me: fatherless, deadbeat, too quiet, timid. Each word felt like a punch to my gut as I wrote it down, but Mama stood by, her presence a steady source of support. Once the board was filled with those cruel labels, she gave me a hammer. Together, we smashed the board into pieces, the sound of splintering wood echoing the release of pent-up anger and sadness. As the shards scattered, it felt as if the weight of those words was lifted off my shoulders. Then, she handed me a new board and encouraged me to write positive words about myself—words that reflected my true identity. I wrote friendly, joyful, magnetic, and energetic. As I wrote, I began to see myself in a new light. The act of replacing the negative words with positive affirmations was empowering. It was in that moment, surrounded by the remnants of the shattered board and the fresh slate of affirmations, that I felt an unexpected surge of laughter. It wasn't forced or fake; it was a genuine release of suppressed emotions, a cathartic moment that marked the beginning of my healing journey. As I stood amidst the wreckage of shattered perceptions, something unexpected happened. Laughter bubbled up from deep within me, unexpected and liberating. It wasn't a laughter born of denial or pretense, but one that emerged naturally, cleansing the wounds of my hidden emotions. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to truly feel—anger, sadness, and eventually, the pure, unadulterated joy of laughter. That laughter became a turning point, a beacon of healing that guided me through the years to come. It wasn't just about masking pain anymore; it was about acknowledging and embracing all emotions, even the uncomfortable ones. Through my journey, I came to understand that while laughter could be a powerful healer, it should never be forced. Each emotion, whether pleasant or painful, held its place in the tapestry of my experiences. Today, as I lead a peer support group, I draw upon those early lessons of smashing stigma and embracing authenticity. I've seen firsthand how sharing our stories and allowing ourselves to feel deeply can transform lives. Laughter, now a symbol of resilience and courage, often emerges in our sessions—not as a mask, but as a genuine expression of shared humanity. It's a reminder that healing isn't linear, and it doesn't always come in quiet moments of reflection but sometimes in the uproarious release of laughter. Through our group, we break down barriers of shame and isolation, encouraging others to confront their traumas with compassion and courage. Just like Mama did for me. Each session is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the healing potential of shared laughter. It's a journey marked by moments of profound connection and understanding, where tears mingle freely with laughter, and every emotion finds its rightful place. In the end, I've come to cherish not just the laughter that springs from joyous moments but also the laughter that emerges from the depths of shared pain and healing. It's a reminder that while not all emotions feel good, they are all necessary. And through it all, I continue to honor Mama's wisdom—to smash the stigma, to embrace authenticity, and to hold space for every emotion, knowing that each contributes to the beautiful complexity of being human.
I've started writing a story which I think will be around 200 pages by the time I finish it. QUEST FOR JUSTICE is inspired by two different news reports about three months apart. They were about two deaths, both called accidental by the authorities. But I found that very unlikely! These news reports were nearly twenty seven years ago. Writing in the Wattpad app, I've close to a thousand words. I'm not sure how much time this will take me, but I'll take whatever time is necessary to tell the story. I believe it is necessary to raise questions which I've never seen raised about these deaths yet. Though this is a work of fiction, I believe some readers will be able to determine which news reports inspired it.
The moment I was brought into this world, I was instantly branded developmentally-stunted, narcissistic and lazy. Apart from being a lethargic preemie (who forced doctors to take him out weeks early), my other crime was being born in the 80's. While newer evidence from psychology (mercifully) defends my generation as suffering from the dual struggles of discovering identity while enduring growing pains of the most rapidly-changing socioeconomic environment in human history, impulsive prejudice built up against Millennials towers over us like Mount Olympus (which, ironically, few detractors would ever climb such pre-conceptual heights to find out whether we fit their expectations). To our elders, strangers (elder strangers or was it strange elders?), we would instinctually be graced as “Generation Me”. Deep in my bones, I knew I wasn't this kind of person. Much of the joy in my youth, for instance, came from volunteering at the hospital or performing songs to soothe weary audiences of their troubles. Partying was a worthless social obligation (starting with boredom and ending with anxiety for the time I wasted). Whether my young mind knew it or not, I was determined to be something other than the selfish, entitled brats Gen Me were destined (by society) to be. It's probably why, at 24, I faced a quarter-life crisis. Days before my 25th birthday, I was unstoppable. Fresh off of earning my black belt in Shorin Ryu karate (a feat some believed beyond me), I raced to the wall in my room, placing the half-English, half-Japanese certificate above my ARCT in piano performance and my medical science degree. I gazed up at my trinity gleefully, only for my pride to vaporize instantly. I had accomplished nothing. Emptiness welled up inside me as I questioned the truth behind those certified proclamations. For all the blood, sweat, tears, time and effort I had poured into those milestones, my patient friend, Walter, from my hospital days (who always blessed me as a ‘good man' whenever we parted) was still dead. My musical performances were little more than transient pleasures. But shaking me most was that a tech at school (I had just finished my 3rd year of pharmacy) died suddenly from cancer. Surrounded by medical practitioners - and all we could offer were our sincerest condolences. Her death was the last straw: fueling me to choose cancer to cure since there's not a single person whose life hasn't been touched by the disease. Unfortunately, continuing to champion destructive treatments (yes, even Nobel Prize-winning immune therapies) in this civil war against our distorted cells (or selves, as it were) will still claim 1/4 of all Canadian cancer patients. With the impending arrival of the largest cancer patient population in history (due to aging baby boomers), 1.2 million baby boomers will die while the luckier 3.5 million boomer survivors will be forever cursed by a myriad of progressive chronic diseases. Three guesses whose generation bears this other impossible burden. Einstein once wrote: “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move towards higher levels”. To me, the answer was easy: non-destructive cures. If cancer isn't threatened, it won't desperately evolve against treatment. Sadly, humans have been killing cancer for centuries. Researching otherwise would be like growing a third head (a second being normal by contrast). Witnessing my (supposedly superior) assessor degrade patients with outdated data for her ego proved that my field also wasn't a solution. This left me one avenue to convey my theories somewhat seriously. Sci-Fi. The sting of incredible backlash still ails me to this day. My parents called me crazy. My colleagues shied away from my radical logic. Even my girlfriend dumped me, thinking I'd choose writing over pharmacy. All they saw was another selfish dreamer enticed by fame and fortune. All I could dream about were a hundred thousand terminal Canadian cancer patients pleading for euthanasia each year. What else could I have done? I shut out my heartache: setting out alone to show people that non-destructive cancer cures can solve this imminent medical genocide. At times I wonder whether publishing Destructive Salvation was worth it. I struggled through rejection, isolation and dark times when I believed my passing might be better on my parents. But in my waking nightmares, I uncovered strength within me: pushing me through crippling anxiety and fatigue I once thought unconquerable. Regardless of my gains or losses, my fire burns brighter than ever to make non-destructive cancer cures a reality. Whether my novel makes a difference is not just up to me anymore, (though I have faith good people will agree with me and want to help). In the meantime, my promise to all cancer patients past, present and future still stands: I'll never stop fighting to cure this disease properly. Not a bad calling for defying one's (preordained) destiny.
Deep down in the heart, they knew they liked each other since their high school. But what made them not to express their feelings, why they didn't confess their love? Was it because of social norms or they were weak enough to even confessing their love was a big deal for them. They spent their rest of life with someone, a known stranger thinking and regretting it every second of rest of their lives. Well in 50's what they were supposed to do except regret and spent rest of life with their family. I am sure about one thing for sure, it was somehow their ego and one's attitude which made it impossible for them to even think about, can they be together for rest of their lives. A three alphabet, most dangerous word 'ego' didn't let it happened cause why me first, why not him/her? their heart wanted to be together but ego, seriously you first what if he/she say no and then I'll be another victim of cruel society, a society, a cultural where norms were more important than person's happiness and life satisfaction. To be continued till they are alive and regretting.
Well, where to start where to end, seems like our life stories may leave us dread. They are horrible sometimes while cherishing at the other. Thus, a mixture of evil and good, happiness or sadness, success or failures, they are all somewhere connected. I'm going to share my failure story: some may find it disappointing, others may find it inspiring while others may find it pointless whatsoever that is my story and I'm the very character who has never got much appreciation from the life. You know what is the good part of my story that it is not the end yet. Things will work my way, I know, but now it may not be the right time. My eldest sister is an atomic scientist, the younger sister a software engineer, the third one has got a Master's in English Literature and brother in the army serving as a Captain. They all have got medals and brought pride and honor to the family and so did I when I was a young blossoming child. Now, I've just graduated and completed my BS HONS in Medical Laboratory Technology, definitely not what I've ever wanted to be. As like many others I could not qualify the Entry Test for Medicine and Surgery, attempted twice. Well, I accepted the reality if it had to be this way and continued with this 4-year program, rarely known. That may not seem to you a great failure but yes, it is, when your father says, “I had always seen you as a doctor since your childhood”, or sometimes, “I'd always imagined you bringing some great honor to the family being the youngest and the intelligent child”. It not only hurts you inside but kills you being a nerd. But I couldn't ever tell my father that I was feared enough to do anything at that time. That I was so pre-occupied with some other thoughts that I could not make it through the test. Though I knew the answers all in my head I couldn't make it with my trembling hands and distressing thoughts. It all started since the day when I was a kid, I went to a nearby shop of my house. We used to buy almost all of the things from that shop. The shopkeeper seemed so kind to me and more affectionate than towards the other kids around. He touched me while handing over the shopping bags. I instantly drew my hand back when it happened for the very first time, as far as I remember, but he kept his hand on my head and with a smile on his face told me that “It's ok”. The next day when I went again he gave me a few candies as a little gift. I became happy and came back home eating those candies. The mind was so delicate to think of his mischievousness and eagerness in his hands. The same thing continued for a few days as he was feeding the little soul to trust him completely. A few days later when I went and no one was around, he called me inside and make me sit on his lap. I was afraid and hesitating that he made me look upon the sweets I loved the most at that time. I went inside and got all those sweets. He kept on calling me inside for next few days or I think he was rather feeding the little beast inside me. Meanwhile, he did what he had to and I didn't resist. Yes, I didn't resist. One day he took me inside and showed me his penis. I got afraid and ran back home. I was too afraid to tell anyone as I thought myself the culprit of taking all those sweets from him. That day made me realize what the hell was happening out there but still was unable to figure out how worse it could get if I didn't run from there. That day till this day that fear couldn't stop growing inside me and I still feel myself a great sinner. But I was a kid by then and unable to realize what was happening. They tell the stories of gang rapes, child abuse on TV and newspaper and somewhere inside I get a little afraid as I feel myself the unrevealed victim of those. But still can't figure out who was the criminal, He or I????? I wish this whole thing could be a lie. But that's the bitter fact of my life I could hardly tell anyone. I don't know what made me write this here but I feel there are not hundreds but thousands out there who are still the victims of these greedy dogs. I want to convey a message that does not trust anyone when it comes to your kids. Don't ever trust anyone, I repeat. As far as it is concerned to me, I'm contented that I'm still trying. I've been working as a freelancer and earned over a million in the recent year. You see, nature still has got something for you, only what you need to do is to seek your potential and have faith in God. Now, I'm a confident, young writer who believes in her abilities and never compromises on her rights. This is what life has taught me, though after some bitter experiences but I believe everything happens for a reason. You can never be a failure but only if you stop believing in yourself. Don't do that to yourself otherwise you may kill yourself.
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Know Importance of Time? Time is such a Blessing of Allah that he equally distributes for each person. No one can claim that I have less time for this and that person. Either poor and a Rich both have the same 24 hours. First, make a perception of time in your mind? Whether Internal Links and External Links. Why do you fail to manage Time? Is it out of control? Or some other reason? Time such a precious thing in this world that is priceless. Time Management is just like Life Management. The problem starts when we think that we have to die and everything will end. And do nothing in advance. Remember one Thing Big people are Bigger than their life, their Time. Time is a Key to your success it depends whether you Lock or Unlock your life's activities Wisely. Since we have to learn how to make the best use of our Time? Key Tips, to Enhance your Skills in Time Mgt 1. How to Plan for Time Mgt? One Time is your Prime Time or a Gold Time, especially for students the prime time is at night when Res of the world is usually sleeping. Its different for all, and do your prime task in that Prime Time. Judge your Activities, three things are there Yourself, your family, your Social Circle. R you giving enough time to all? Especially male works all the time in offices, and spend whole time and wither they Give Quality Time to their Children? And your Isolation is also important, most people engage more to escape from their Isolation. You know Why? Because they don't want to recall that they can't realize their past or any unwanted thing that. But If you are using your time of Isolation you are Believe Me You are enjoying the real life with full colors. 2. PRIORITISE LIST OF IMPORTANT THINGS Written thing will Awake you that things thing you have to do to memories. Maybe your family tasks are important for the day, prioritize them. It might be possible your office work are important for the day. Or your friend is in trouble. You have to Pay attention to your Health and Fitness. Or you need Isolation for some time. You need to Charge yourself to set priorities, So do Justice with your Time. 3. Make a List of things that waste your time. Two things are there, Time Management is Issue for those, either you have more things to do and you take less time, Time, Or you have some few tasks but Time is More.So both have to manage in a better way to learn something new or professional. Little time is wasted by every person. But what lessons you have concluded from the Events of your Life are also Important. You know the Intelligent peoples of the world explains their tragedies and Good lucks later on. To conclude something meaningful and later on they realize the at everything is attached. And You know one Thing no Famous Person can Criticize someone. So if we are blaming something, and still have regrets, this is the sign that you haven't make the Best use of your Time. And that blaming habit will harm you and turns back to you again and again. 4. Play Most Effective Role is being Proactive, are those who prepare them self in Advance. Practice different things to manage something that how it is difficult. Students often think that after getting higher degree or medals we think that one repute job will be just waiting for us to open the door. But the time after getting a degree and between the job or point where we want to reach we totally waste our time instead of learning something. So, Be Proactive in your life, as Proactiveness makes you strong, active and helps you to utilize your Time effectively. Take some responsibility for managing an event or learning a new skill to discover the manger inside you. Management should be learned from every person. Every person should be a good manager to manage a Good life. 5. We have to Change our Mind Set Especially Girls are asked what you have to do the usually the answer is we have to marry. And the professional life is ended. We have to change the mind. Real Life example, If we say everything will end that we are actually dead inside before the Time. 6. At least do something extra, without pay for real satisfaction. Or at least prepare yourself to face something Always have Multiple options to do that if you are getting bored then do. Don't be too strict to your life enjoy it. And any day which you find, this day is not good, renew your planning and take a new start. Some Famous saying is that If someone has to do something, one Life is Enough and If he doesn't want to do than 500 Lives he has he can do nothing. So, if you have some goal, targets, and Allah has blessed you with Time so make the Best use of them. 7. Tip If you still have doubts that something will be waste do it like its Last thing for you. Don't wait for tomorrow do it today. Like it's a famous saying offer the prayer just like it's you are offering the last prayer. Time is also a blessing once it is passed it will never come back. So we need to Change our habits to use Time, our future will be change.
Whenever I have a free time I turn a penny at restaurant . today ,at 7 pm two old but very beautiful grannie walked in and ordered latte with gingerbread. When I gave them order, one of them, said “this latte has a huge love story “. I asked “why” and she started telling her story She is 78 years old. She is a dowager and whenever she was at loggerheads with her husband ,she went to another room for sleep ,just not to see him,just to be at distance from him. Each of them wasn't telling “the goodnight thing,”didn't say how much they loved each other and after quarrel they didn't want to look at each other. But there was one thing that could unite them – latte with gingerbread, her husband always did it for her,just to make her smile . the woman says that she especially was walking quietly because doesn't want once again quarrel and talk with him. She bought night light cause didn't want to turn on the light while he was sleeping .but he didn't appreciate it all, all he could do just latte with gingerbread .one day she was tired of such life and decided to have a little trip without him . he called her every day ,even twice a day- one at morning ,one at evening. At one day she didn't receive evening call from him and thought he got tired of her ,that's why she got mad at him . Later she found out that he felt sick and lost consciousness. as it turned out, the thrombus from the leg passed into the heart and the husband died. Only after that she realized that she lived wrong her domesticity with him and had a depression over two years. She grasp her mistake , instead of quarrel's they could have a hug ,go to the restaurant ,look up at the skies ,just do anything they want. They could say more often to each other how much they love together ,they could share their love to the children and grandchildren. they had a chance to change it all ,but they missed a boat …they boat of hope, love and faith . She also said if she could have only one wish to be fulfilled – she would ask for her husband with latte and gingerbread. “I understand the price of moment only now ,when I lost it”she added. We are the children of war, she said..and nowadays people live the same life ,they want to part from each other ,don't want to make the memory of life, don't want share the love ,don't want hold forth a hope. We are deprived of such simple things as love,trust ,kindness. People try to chase the fortune ,earn more money , gain benefit ,become famous ,try to visit all countries around in hope to find the reAL love of life instead of embellish what they have. I asked her ,how people should live today? She said just live ,give warmth to relatives ,say more often whAT they mean to them ,say how much love and respect they have for them. Call even for one minute just to say “it is cold outside go and get a coat” or “ I am sorry for that words ,maybe we can go to the restaurant and solve the problem “. LIFE is too short ,today we have a million ,tomorrow we lose it all . today we have a story to share with person we love,but tomorrow we can lose it. Today you can receive a latte with gingerbread from your love ,tomorrow you will never have it again. Some people need you ,they need to hear your voice ,need to meet you no matter how you look,need to hug you . human needs human in this life and nothing more . In conclusion she added ‘some people have a huge ocean spate inside of them,but instead of showing them ,they try to hide” Share love and care while you still can.
Modern day society dictates that we should live our life to the fullest and that we should make the most out of what we do. We want to achieve all of our aspirations in life. Each of us strives to work harder than anybody else. Delays are unacceptable. Laziness cannot enter the picture. Procrastination is a crime! Why bother thinking of doing it tomorrow when you can do it now? In this modern generation, it is indeed easy to be busy. According to studies, society has gotten into a frenzied state of addiction. People are now in pursuit of money, power, success, self-satisfaction, and self-fulfillment in pace quicker or faster than ever before. The idea that we will fall behind if we stop moving forward or even pause for a bit powers this addiction. In fact, this is reflected even in modern day technology. These innovative advances are supposed to empower creative thinking. Unfortunately, the massive inflow of information has disintegrated our consideration for deep understanding and creativity. Individuals have less time to ponder over anything as they end up getting overwhelmed by the need to act, to be constantly doing something. The adverse effects of technology are evident nowadays especially concerning human relationships. Instead of enhancing close associations, people tend to avoid face-to-face contact and are constantly on their technological devices. We are slowly losing our empathy. The essence of living life to the fullest is now drifting away. Depression is rampant because people correlate happiness with success. And by success, we closely associate it with getting something to happen the way we want it to happen. The truth, however, is that success is ephemeral in all areas of life. The familiar scent, reminiscent of a new automobile will eventually fade. The new smartphone will be supplanted — sooner, as opposed to later — by a further developed, sleeker, lighter, and better one. Somebody more creative, more grounded, or more intelligent will in the end come and beat your record or replace you from your position. Success in a real sense is relative. It is a personal disposition and can be self-defeating at times. Why? It is because we tend to pursue the temporal things and equate it with our own standards of success. In addition, this is exemplified by the media. It defines success as having that brand new car, that high job position, that significant level of power and influence, that certain kind of body figure and so on. And achieving these so-called accomplishments give us a sense of confidence and self-satisfaction. However, on a deeper level, this arouses frustrations, resentments, and envy because it feels like we are always trying to catch up. The happiness we feel when attaining these things is slowly replaced by the fear of the unknown, the fear of what will happen next. This vicious cycle goes on if we continue to chase down false objects of happiness and success. Lao Tzu once said, “If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” In this era, people are vying hard for about anything of value in the society. The level of competition is very high as well the stakes involved. People will not settle for less. This is indeed true; we want the best out of everything. Thus, we give our greatest in all the things we do in order to acquire the best. We strive to keep up with the standards of the world. Achieving our endeavors in life does not come without hard work and sacrifices. But one thing is for sure, we do not sacrifice today for tomorrow. Moreover, these are the two questions that we might as well ask ourselves. Are we really living in the present? Or are we living for the future? In my opinion, we should have a positive response for both of the said questions. We are not only motivated to act for the betterment of our future but also for the present. For me, this is an example of getting the best of both worlds. We get to prepare for our happiness of tomorrow without sacrificing our joy of today. So how do we exactly live in the present? The answer lies in the mind of every person. Being more conscious of the present is the key. Being aware of life as it happens is the only way to enjoy life to the fullest. Cultivating mindfulness gets you to places. When you are mindful of the future, you get to plan ahead and prepare. Same is true when you are mindful of the present. Also, when we are living in the latter we are also living in acceptance. We accept life as it is now and not as how we wish it would have been. Therefore, it brings us peace and happiness. The only constant thing in the world is change. Thus, the power to create change can only be done in the present rather than the past or the future. Consequently, we should begin to take the lead in initiating positive changes that will enrich ourselves and the society. Live in the now and live for the future!
\\"Mom? Mom please don't leave my hand. I am scared mom.\\"\nThese were the words that frequently came out of my mouth when I literally gave up on my life. That day I was hospitalized. And after that, everything changed. EVERYTHING. I was suffering from mental depression. My O'levels were knocking at the door. And I was going through sudden memory loss. At this point of life, all I needed was a little love and support. Therefore, I thought I should start going to school.\nAnd the next day I went, thinking that at this time, my \\"friends\\" would be my greatest support. But no. I was very wrong. Like very, very wrong. The \\"friends\\" from whom I was expecting support, didn't even bother to ask me how I was doing. Some ignored me, and some laughed at me when I said I was having memory problems.\nTears filled my eyes when one of them said on my face that I am simply putting up an act. That day, I left the school early and went home. Soon after, my health deteriorated. I started behaving abnormally. I would hallucinate things, and talk to myself in the dark. The people dearest to me looked like strangers. I was terrified of stepping out of my home because I felt all eyes were on me.\nI wept all night; without even knowing why. And then the worst thing happened. I had to visit the psychiatrist. Yes. A psychiatrist. The pills prescribed became a part of my regular diet. By then I had convinced myself that I have become mentally unstable. And...And I gave up.\nBut there was this one person still had faith in me. My mom. She pledged that she won't let me break. She kept talking to me all day and all night. She kept inspiring me and kept pouring positive vibes inside me. She kept asking me what happened and what I was going through.\nAnd I kept quiet. But she was never tired of asking me. She kept asking how I feel. And then one day, I couldn't hold it in anymore. Every agony, every fear, every tormenting emotions- that I was bottling up till now sputtered out of my mouth in the form of words. My mom kept quiet for a moment, as if she was trying to compose herself in a very subtle way. And then she showed me a plant.\n\\"Did you know that this plant used to be too vulnerable. Its stem used to break, insect used to eat up the leaves and it didn't bear flower at all. I thought this plant will die soon. Yet I asked the maids to water it and supply fertilizers. And one day, one day it surprised us all, and started bearing flowers. Do you know how it happened?\\" she asked, there was an amusing tilt in her voice.\n\\"No.\\" I stated.\n\\"Because it never gave up. In spite of all the obstacles, it rose.\\" she smiled.\nShe made me realized that I am not a loser. Neither I am mentally unstable. I have a very big goal in life to achieve. And these obstacles are nothing. And she kept me inspiring for days. After that I consoled myself and started going to school again. For few days my mom accompanied me to school. Then one day she told me to go alone. I was dreading her notion. I was so scared. But her supporting eyes, and believing smile, made me enter the gates of my school in solitary.\nToday, after one month, I am completely fine. Just a little weak, but other than that I am fine. I am doing well with my studies. And I no longer care about what people think about me, what opinion they have about me. Moreover, I don't have to visit the psychiatrist anymore, nor do I have to take the pills. Yes I am doing well. And I have my biggest support with me. My family. And my mom? I can't thank her enough for this. Yet I would like to say. THANK YOU MOM.
Scrolled down one more popular biography and the comments section was full of words that appreciated author and congratulate on how author beautifully pictured a mesmerizing life experience. I was not moved honestly from the story, for me it was like another story that took the majority of readers into a fantasy world and readers imagining themselves in author's shoe and enjoying. I'll never ever say that it was not up to my standards or have heard of before but in my sight, this world needs to focus on some important topics. My childhood, your childhood or any guy's childhood who was born in the 90s knows our generation was completely different, we never heard of a word climate change or terrorism. I got a chance to share my point of view at some forum and I spoke about issues of environmental issues, climate change and social awareness in this regard, while other members discussed the other beautiful side of life i.e. travelling, parties and fun. I was not welcomed as they were later on and not because I hate the other side of life, in fact, I love it but we were ignoring the harsh reality and I was after that. It was like ' I have a home why I discuss homeless people'. I must admit, I'm a fail guy who tried to entirely focus on global issues and put his part while inviting his fellow young personals from every field of life i.e. science, arts, humanitarians and law etc. but, failed to draw their attention cause we want to ignore the harsh reality and just completely wants to look on bright side. Or bright side for me they, the audience didn't understand my message because of my low English speaking skills (optimism). Either the case rather than living happily in the world of fantasies, it is time to write and create social awareness about the issues, about the topics those needs to resolve quickly as possible else, it will hunt us down without differentiating us on behalf of territories or cultural or linguistics but humans.
It's the end of summer, my friends and I just got done shoving a loveseat out of my second story apartment window because there is no way that thing would have fit through the doors. We come downstairs to catch a break and move the couch over by the street trying to fit as many of maybe 7 of us on it. As it starts getting darker, most of them go their separate ways leaving four of us behind. We sat there for some time after everyone left enjoying the end of one chaotic summer. We wanted one more crazy adventure. The story is, these crazy three other people and I, impulsively decided that day that we all need a vacation so the very next day, we left the state of Iowa. We hit the road; we were on our way not knowing where we were going, not caring. Before I continue with this story, let me add the fact of how these three other people I was with were all boys. That very night, I pack one bag, the next day, the four of us pile in a two door Saturn. Between the four of, we probably had about a whole 30 some dollars. (Great planning, I know right?) We got to the middle of Missouri before we ended up spending our last dollar. That's when we decided that our destination was to be Daytona Beach, Florida. I know, I know. You're thinking, why? I honestly have no idea what inspired all four us in that very moment to decide that we all wanted to go to Florida with no money but once we agreed on that decision simultaneously, we had to show ourselves that we weren't going to back down on our word and challenge ourselves to actually push ourselves to get there. We all had in our heads how everyone always told us growing up that you absolutely had to have money to do the things that you wanted to do, especially travel. We understood that of course, but we wanted to see how far we could make it if we could make it on pure determination and just our people skills. Yikes, huh? The next few days consisted of some of the most inspiring conversations I've had the pleasure of having in my life, a lot of R&B, and a handful of beautiful people who helped us along the way. We stopped at local shops in small towns and gas stations and helped others and in return they helped us with gas, food, and water. We sold what we could that we had on us. We were innovative in how we made money. We were determined to get to the beach. Everyone has pride to an extent, where most of us find ourselves needing help but not allowing our egos to ask for it. I continued on that trip just so I could teach myself the lesson of, if I really want something, regardless of if I have the means to do it, I will be able to do it. During that trip, I learned that perspective truly is everything. Yes there was times during those few days where we would each exchange doubts of if we would actually be able to accomplish this crazy assignment but we couldn't fail, so we took turns reassuring each other. That's the great thing about friends, even when they're in doubt, they will continue to push you to keep doing what you set out to do. Needless to say, we did make it, and the second that we did, we ran to the ocean and I took one of the best naps of my life right there! I woke up to music coming from the board walk and surrounded by wonderful people enjoying the rest of their summer a ways away from home. We ventured out to explore the rest of this magical place. In return, for pushing ourselves to achieve what we had set out to do, we were rewarded with a beautiful night and a memory we would hold onto forever. Alright, I know what you're thinking. Get to the point. Honestly, I don't remember exactly how I lost my pants in Florida, but I spent most of the time wearing a one piece. Between crashing on the beach and crashing an outdoor concert, for all I know and can remember, the ocean swallowed my pants and in return fed my soul. We were only there for about a day and a half. On the journey back we wanted to try and panhandle because some other travelers we met inspired us to try it and in return we had the time of our lives. Not very many people choose to panhandle but the experience puts you in the shoes of people that have no choice but to. You learn a lot about the people who struggle everyday and it really gives you a different mindset. You really learn how to appreciate what you have more. We made big signs and stood in the middle of a busy intersection. People were coming down the road blasting different genre's of music with their windows down enjoying the weather. Since we were by a stoplight a lot of people when they were stopped would interact with us. I didn't care about the money that we had gotten in that hour, what I took from that experience was far more valuable. On our way home, we reflected a lot on what had learned and I can tell you the same four people who had left Iowa weren't the same three people who were returning. I say the three of us because one of the guys decided to stay in Florida, but that's a whole other story for some other time.
