.... Survival

"Don't let pain turn your heart into something ugly. Surviving is beautiful."

When I read the quote above at first, what I thought was "easy for you to say, have you felt pain?" but then I gave it a second thought and realized the sense in it. I am not trying to be a motivational speaker; people have had enough of those speeches, and let's be honest, there are so many things left out in motivational speeches.

Regardless, that's not why I'm here now. This quote reminds me of how when people speak about their struggles to finally hit the jackpot, you would truly feel the beauty in survival.

I believe pain changes people, but it is left to you to choose how it changes you; it can make you dreadful, mean, bitter, or transform you into the sweetest person who values the littlest of things. 

There's a famous story of twin boys whose father was an alcoholic. It is a painful experience to watch your father drink so much that he's no value for his life and reputation, to the extent that he becomes comfortable or indifferent with failure. He no longer cares about what his kids may think of him, it may even be safe to say he's lost all hopes to be a better version of himself, and so he leaves himself to wallow in uselessness.

However, these boys made two different choices from that experience; the first decides that life has dealt with his father and so does not have much to offer him, and therefore, he will continue on the paths his father has chosen and drink himself to stupor. When asked why he turned out to be an alcoholic, he said, "I watched my father..". Then there's the second who decides to push back and stand his ground, not to be a drunk like his father and make something better of himself. When asked why he turned out this way, his reply? "I watched my father...", same situation: different perspectives. 

Now, you can argue that they are well within their rights in their choices, and you won't be wrong. If bitterness and sadness work for you, then, by all means, feed that side of you acquired from the pain, or you could nurture the sunny side that has learned that life could humble anyone. Like everyone else, you're going through a phase. When it passes, you will have to shock life and become a better you, no matter what life deals you, and that, my friend, is the beauty in survival; that you're able to maintain your sweetness still; find the light and right side to your experiences, because let's face it; no one needs more pain after going through pain. Let go of the bitterness and soreness, the grudge and revenge. It will save you the time and energy to be productive in other aspects of your life. Please do it for yourself. 


Like I said earlier, this isn't a speech, and I hadn't meant for it to be this lengthy, but alas!

I leave you as always, with love and every good vibe... 

TEG.