So I learned something today (I know, shocker). I learned that life is more fragile than it may appear to be. I think we all take life for granted. We don't see how limited our time here is. As a kid, life kinda seems like it'll last a long time. But as you get older and more mature, you start to see that your time on this Earth won't last forever. And I think that's why we need to make the best of every moment we have.
Some people are here longer than others. Maybe it's luck. Maybe it's just what's meant to be. (I hope that doesn't come across as insulting because that is certainly not my intent.) But I don't think we value the little things as much as we should. We are so fragile as humans. Some of us are tougher than others, in several different ways (physical, emotional, etc.). But we all have those moments in life where we feel empty, like life has no value. But it does! It really does! There are so many things out there that we don't recognize as being important. Watching the sun set, feeling the wind in our face as we drive, walking our pets, spending time with the ones we care about, laughing at the stupid things we see on television, feeling the pleasure of taking that first bite of our favorite food, making others feel joy. All these little things have so much more value than we think. They're the simple pleasures of life. I couldn't see how anyone would never want to feel that simple bliss ever again.
Life is different now, I know. But the world has gotten through many horrific events before, and I have no doubt that we will get through this too. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I know it takes strength to make it there. But I promise you, it will be so worth it. And once we get there, we will be overcome with happiness and peace. It will always be worth it to keep going. Don't think that you'll have to go it alone; we will always be happy to hold your hand through the darkness. But that light is the reason to keep going. That light is everything. Seeing the next sunset. The next time we walk our pets. Watching the next silly television program. The next time we get to eat our favorite food. The next time we get to be with our loved ones. Those things are that light. That simple bliss. That peace we all want. Think to yourself, won't it be worth it when we reach that point?
Death is the end. There is no coming back from it. I learned that recently. And that's why it's something we should never resort to. Maybe screaming into a pillow, sure. But I can tell you for a fact that taking that step to be above that and wanting to keep going will be worth it, always. The next time you feel that simple bliss, you will be grateful you are there to experience it. You will be happy. And so will everyone who cares about you and loves you (hint hint, I'm one of those people).
So I encourage you, keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going. Because life is so fragile. But it is also so beautiful. Never forget that your imperfections are what make you your own version of perfect. And you can always keep going. And it will always be worth it.<3
Sending my love to you Sunkissed Panda x They say sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we climb back out of that dark hole. You did just that and more. I hope that anyone thinking about there being no reason to go on, reads your post several times. The thing about this forum is that we get to read heartbreaking stories from the people going through it. This site is about everyone's life journey. One person's positive comment can have a ripple effect on many of us out there. Thank you for sharing an eye opening, thought provoking, amazing post. My heart is filled with joy for you and those you love.
Beautiful Sunkissed_Panda Your writing i so agree with and makes me think I don’t need an exotic beach or have an expensive whatever when I can look outside at the sun rising or at my sons smile and feel complete.
Hey Sunkissed!!!!Want to let you know I'll be reading your Post later on and please look for my reply but also remember I won't be able to reply and/chat until after midnight...your time 11PM (I think)!!!
What an insightful, magnificent Post. I marvel at what you wrote. And I have a suggestion: You are a talented writer. Enhance your natural talent. And your insight about fragility is thoughtful and thought provoking. Chat later. It's after 4AM here!!!
Are AJ your initials??? Wanted to ask you before I FORGET!!! See what happens to oldsters???
I just want you to know that you have amazing talent, especially for a young person. Please work on your writing; by this I mean WRITE...in a journal. Not just any journal. Pick a subject. Quote are an example. I'd be glad/happy/thrilled to help you. After you read the quote, write about your feelings in response to it. Doesn't have to be long.
At one point in my life I was pres/CEO for a mental health organization. This was 21 years ago...did I tell you why I resigned after managing so many aspects of the agency?
One part of my responsibilities was to respond to Request to Respond to Proposals. The proposals were initiated by multiple sources.
I was writing on a constant basis. As I wrote, my writing became better and better. I also responded to multiple letter each week to parents, community members and people who were asking for help in the mental health field. Instead of a simple letter, I included a long paragraph about my thought about what's necessary when choosing a therapist. I also included explanations of what various organizations offered to an individual or family.
My mother and father were each talented writes, especially my mother. She was working for the Hospice Program of Pennsylvania hospital as the employee who was responsible for fundraising.
My mom also responded to individuals who requested answers to various questions about Hospice care.
She also wrote short stories, one of which was published. Should I ever get the money (neither me or my sister received stimulus funds) I'd love enrolling in a local University in creative writing.
One of the most unique writers I know of is Lauren Slater. You might be interested in reading "Prozac Diary". Another talented writer is Alice Hoffman and Jodi Picoult. Of course the classic are a must but far more difficult to read. Other authors I love to read are Barbara Kingsolver, especially her early works; I love Amy Tan, Quinland (sorry, that I forget her first name..might be Anna. Ethan Canin is extremely gifted and so handsome to boot!!! I met him , trying very hard to flirt, much to my chagrin he didn't respond...at all!! The first book I red by Canin was "Emperor Of The Air". William Faulkner, Alice Munro, Joyce Carol Oats, Mary McCarthy, Edna O'Brien, Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha", Kathryn Stockett, "The Help", also a terrific movie, and there are so, so many others. Lauren Slater is by far the most utterly amazing writer.
Must go now!!! I'm grooming one of my fur babies.
FORGOT (again), Viktor Frankl is simply unbelievable. He is best known for "Man's Search For Meaning",
Haven't got the time to re-read this 'chat'. Please forgive any errors.
Your dear friend and fan,
Sophie
Why did this stupid computer interrupt my sentences and right in the middle of
is a marvelous writer who also is handsome !! Other talented writers are Jamie Ford ("Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet"). Katherine Stokett who wrote "The Help", also a movie.
Gabriel Garcia Marques is fantastic. One of my favorite books he authored is "Love In The Time Of Cholera".
I'm glad you love reading so much! I too share your passion for good books!
To be perfectly honest, I have never heard of any of the authors you mentioned (I'm so sorry). I guess you could say I'm at a lower reading level because, well, I'm only 17 lol. Some of the authors I like are Lois Lowry (wrote The Giver series (my favorite series ever)), Jay Asher, Jennifer Nielson, and Wilson Rawls. There are other books I like too, but I don't know the authors and/or the entire title of the book.
I don't think you ever mentioned before that you were a pres/CEO for a mental health organization. I'd love to hear more about that; it sounds super interesting (maybe something I'd like to do as a career even). I love writing, and I really want to be someone who can help people in the mental health field.
I must go now. It's my mother's birthday, and she's being slightly difficult.
Love to chat later...if I'm awake!!! Otherwise tomorrow.BTW, you would LOVE Alice Hoffman who also wrote young adult novels..I'll send titles tomorrow.
Happy last day of January, 2021!!! Hope it's a great one for you!!!
Going shopping for food soon...have to shower...it so cold/freezing here...great big snowstorm coming to the Northeast...big one! UCH!!!
How's the Jazz Band. Wish I could see you play your instrument? Which one.
Did I send you the Alice Hoffman list for young adults?
Every night, before I start reading, I try to read a few pages of "Sleeping Dogs Don't Lay: Practical Advice For the Grammatically Challenged"..surprising what I'm learning..AND, "Idiots Guide to Grammar & Style".
"Essentials of English"..also very good...you'll enjoy the first one the best.-
Our library is CLOSED!!! Do I ever miss it!!! Spent hours there!!!
"What is to give light must endure burning."
Victor Frankl
"If we no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other".
Mother Theresa
If you'er real busy...I can relate..try writing the ones you like best.
I'd love to chat whenever it's convenient for you!
Jazz band has been going well. I play the euphonium, which is basically a smaller version of the tuba, and sounds like the trombone. If you Google the euphonium, you'll see what I'm talking about.
I miss my library being open too! I used to love going there to relax and chill with friends. It was always so nice and peaceful. This darn pandemic has ruined too many aspects of my life.
I'm off to bed now. Had a long, boring day at work. We got about a foot of snow, so there was not much going on. I'll be on tomorrow. Hugs!!!! <3
Can you believe this...I actually slept over 14 hours last night combined with today. Sheer exhaustion. I don't feel well. That's that.
How have been lately?? I have been thinking of you a lot, wondering if you're dealing with tons of snow. STILL snowing here. Gorgeous but tough. Have your jazz band practices been canceled?
Tips from an Oldster:
Try to feel unconditional acceptance of others. If someone is hurtful, don't give away your power. Only YOU can give someone the power to make you feel just HORRIBLE!!
Identify your values. Want to add some new ones, edit others?
Baking in the sun will REALLY cause skin damage that REALLY shows up when you're older...age spots, lots of wrinkles and furrows on your face not to mention the risk of skin cancer.
Learn all the possible ways to save your money. You're 17. Can you imagine how much money you'll have when you're 67 if you save $5.00 each week? Learn reasonable investment options...I know, I know...you're very young and may not want to even think about all of this, but I promise you that learning about your relationship
with money now will be a blessing later on in your life...like way later.
ENJOY LIFE SOMEHOW SOMEWAY!!!!!!!!!!
Don't crack your knuckles. This was one of my long-term habits and yep, my knuckles are big!!!
Learn how NOT to be naive or gullible, two traits of mine that have really, really hurt me (big time). Sadly, I'm still trying to change how I react to a ton of things.
You know the real deal, jaywalking is not cool.
Take driving lessons from a professional (free from various organizations). Learn all about car maintenance!! Always make absolutely certain that you're not paying too much for auto insurance.
Get Life Insurance NOW!!!!! Your monthly premiums, for a lot of insurance will hardly cost anything. Make sure you learn about the differences between Whole Life Insurance and Term Insurance.
Try not to hum. It becomes a habit that's hard to break. It can really annoy some other people. I learned this the hard way AND I'M STILL HUMMING AWAY!!!!!
There are other significant tips I'll be offering as we chat; I apologize if I've invaded your space.
If you have , love having, long hair, don't eventually cut it because 'they' say to cut your hair when you reach a 'certain' age. BS.
Concentrate on having curiosity. Learn everything you can...learn about other cultures, other belief systems, and learn about self care as in manicures, pedicures, skin care, hand skin care, foot care etc. Developing curiosity has a magical effect on depression.
Don't color your hair, unless you want to, but wait as long as you can.
That's enough for now...right?
Guess what? I'm going to try to sleep. Going to bed and will read.
Miss you!! You've become an important person/part of my life!!!
Can you give me tips from a 17 year old??? Bet you can!!!
Thanks for all the tips haha! I actually do save most of the money I make from working at Kohl's, so I think I'll be good on that front.
Believe it or not, school and jazz band have not been cancelled on account of the snow. The roads aren't horrible, but are still slightly dangerous. And we are still expected to show up at school. I guess that's life though.
Honestly I'm not sure what tips to even give you. I feel that you have much more life experience than me (I promise I'm not calling you old). I guess I could try to think of some though.
1. Wearing makeup doesn't make you any more or less pretty. You are your own version of beautiful.
2. Coloring your hair is a bad idea regardless of your age. I dyed the ends of my hair purple a few years ago, and then had to cut it off because it killed the end of my hair. Not a good idea. Unless you have super strong hair or something haha!
3. Height/weight doesn't determine what kind of person you are. I don't think you should let what other people think of you govern what you think of yourself.
4. Take the time to show your loved ones that you care. They might not always be here, so make the best of time while you can.
5. Don't be embarrassed to be who you are. I hid my inner self for so long because I thought people wouldn't accept me for who I really am. But the people who truly love you and care for you will always accept you no matter what. That way, you'll know who your true friends and family are.
Of course, I will always accept you for you. I won't ever judge anyone because everyone is their own version of perfect.
That's really all I could come up with. I hope that those tips were helpful somehow. Sorry if they're not quite as in-depth as yours; I wasn't really sure what I could say that you didn't already know.
I'll chat with you later. School awaits. Hugs!!! <3
Your tips are terrific!!!! Many thanks. Very insightful.I know I'm constantly writing this but mid-day is rough so I look forward to chatting later on.
School and Jazz band aren't cancelled? Great but be especially careful driving AND walking. Am I mistaken in thinking that your are having virtual schooling. Are you a jr. or a senior?
I am a junior in highschool. And you aren't mistaken. So what my school has done is they split everyone into two groups, so one group goes one day while the other group is virtual, and then it switches the next day. Kind of confusing, but that's what's going on. And yeah, driving on ice/snow-covered roads is a blast, let me tell you. (That's sarcasm.)
Yeah, school and jazz band aren't cancelled. That's because the board of directors within my school district are a bunch of crazy guys who all know how to drive really well, so they don't see it as an issue. As for those of us less-experienced drivers, it's terrifying slipping on ice. But it is what it is. I see it as a way to learn how to deal with it.
I'll talk to you later. Let me know when you'd like to chat. I have another jazz band practice later, so I'll tell you how that goes later on. Hope you're staying warm! <3
thank you for helping me understand that but i reach the light it is just staying there and not sinking deeper then i was many times before but now i understand how fragile life is cause of you thank you i hope your having a good day and are happy with how much you have helped me just with that
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xx
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