LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, LIFE AS I KNOW IT

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, LIFE AS I KNOW IT

We’re living in this ever-changing world teemed with every individual imaginable. I know this sounds bland; broken record and a scratched cliché I might seem but please, kindly lend me your eyes and attention as I tell life as I know it.

From the moment breath of life was breathed in to us, one has encountered nonstop, simultaneous changes. These changes – physical, psychological, social, spiritual – happen as simply as subtly passing in through our daily routines or in the more obvious attention-needing manner. Luckily, our significant others stand with us in experiencing such transitions, helping us in trekking the roads of life. Unfortunately, life that we humans love can be quickly taken away from us in such an unpredictable way, especially if one’s destined to such fate. Is this why people are endlessly reciting and advising fellows to live life to the fullest?

In this fast-paced world where anything’s possible, it seems that we take our lives for granted. Mankind has always possessed this drive to strive for the best and attain anything and everything that’s better. Consequently, we restlessly search for that commodity that’ll give us the perceived happiness we thought it would. But isn’t this the thriving force behind change and progression of human civilization? The factor that differentiates one from others?
Nevertheless, it’s best that we experience life without taking advantage of the love and support given to us. For our comfortably lived lives are full of surprises, like a box of chocolates, as Forrest Gump wittingly reminded us. In this circle of life, nobody knows what the future holds; therefore, we should show gratitude and appreciation of our blessings. Somewhere out there, there’s a heart crying behind a happy face; rain pouring, down for a stomach’s nagging because of the insuppressible need for food; a restless mind worrying where to park himself for shelter tonight; a frail body, holding on to last strings of strength, suffering at death bed; and a soul torn from the confusion life brings.

I speak of truth when I say that every one of us wants love and peace within and among us. So, it’s for everybody’s benefit if we do not judge, discriminate and assume one’s life, personality. The popular saying teaches us to not judge the book by its cover, for what we see could be deceiving and misleading from the truth. Let this not hinder us in knowing the real person behind each façade. However, isn’t this mere human nature? Frankly, one way or another, everyone of us has judged someone based on his/her sex, age, race, abilities, thinking, behavior, socioeconomic status. Is this just an unavoidable character, a human instinct? But then again, respect is to be earned and not just freely given.

Then there comes the time when change, Mr. Darwin’s inevitable aspect of survival, has to happen. A person challenged by such reluctantly faces the posed shift. He, knowing that change has to be dealt with, does all the possible to stop such matter from materializing, especially if this ruins a cozy life or a well-protected ego. His decision among all the options – the choice – will long be evaluated and will keep one endlessly hoping that the right decision has been made. Though it seems unfair not knowing the consequences after making such a conclusion, changes play vital roles in our lives. This is how an individual experiences growth, learning from mistakes and finding his/her real identity.

It’s so lenient to say that one can live satisfactory here on our chaotic earth, where crime and hatred hover everywhere, while upholding one’s values, beliefs and principles. But it isn’t so; for this world that we’re part of is very complicated and ever changing. Plus, our own perspective of life, values, and beliefs tend to fluctuate now and then, pushing for the abstract finite boundaries. Even so, it might be my naivete, but I still believe, like Anne Frank once penned, that in spite of everything, people are good at heart.