Nobody gives a shit about us. Nobody cares who we are or what we do because we're small, insignificant human beings who don't matter; we haven't done anything to make a difference or change the world, so it wouldn't make a damn of a difference if we died tomorrow; the Earth would still turn, life would still go on and nobody important would even care that you died.
We live in a society so consumed by narcissism and self-importance to the point where we're all attention-whores, seeking validation from other people as a measure of our self-worth, when really, let's face it, we mean nothing.
Nobody cares what you're up to, so there's no point writing a status on Facebook or any other social networking site telling everyone what you're doing at that very moment or what happened to you that day. Likewise, nobody cares about your private life, so there's no point in sharing your relationship status or your numerous personal problems with the world, the latter in the (gag-inducing) hope of eliciting feelings of pity and sympathy from fellow 'friends'. Yeah, like anybody in the virtual online world would actually give a crap.
You wanna be noticed and cared about? Then go out there and make a difference, and do something to make the world a better place. Otherwise shut up and stop complaining about your own problems; there are other bigger, more important ones out there in the world that need solving; like poverty, disease, climate change, pollution, endangered species, environmental destruction, economic crises, oppressive governments, human rights abuses, wars and so on and so forth.
So before you start wailing to the world about your problems via Facebook, Twitter or some other public platform, think about all the other problems that matter way more than your own petty ones.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Breaking point
The point where you can't take it anymore.
The point where you take a deep breath, close your eyes and allow yourself to feel the tears well up in your eyes, refusing to fight them back.
The point where brutal reality takes over and your illusions of hope fade away.
The point where your willpower goes out the window and you succumb to whatever's been tormenting you.
The point where you slide over to the quiet corner, and curl up, burying your face in your knees.
"Help me, please."
"I'm losing my mind."
"Where are you when I need you?"
"Somebody save me."
Words you never thought you'd utter until now.
Breaking point. The point where everything begins and ends.
The point where you take a deep breath, close your eyes and allow yourself to feel the tears well up in your eyes, refusing to fight them back.
The point where brutal reality takes over and your illusions of hope fade away.
The point where your willpower goes out the window and you succumb to whatever's been tormenting you.
The point where you slide over to the quiet corner, and curl up, burying your face in your knees.
"Help me, please."
"I'm losing my mind."
"Where are you when I need you?"
"Somebody save me."
Words you never thought you'd utter until now.
Breaking point. The point where everything begins and ends.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Do you really know me?
They say, in order to know a man, you have to walk a mile in his shoes.
I guess we can never say we fully know someone inside out until we, figuratively, walk a mile in their shoes.
Sure, we may claim to know people close to us very well; but define "very well". Is it knowing their personality; their loves and hates; their past, secrets, fears, hopes and dreams; the way they think and feel; and how they see the world? That's all but one small part of knowing someone like the back of your hand.
Unless we go through what they have experienced, feel what they have felt and do what they have done, we can never say we truly know them.
The most we can do is empathise with them, and imagine what it must've been like to walk in their shoes. But it'll never replace the real thing, experiencing it all in the flesh, right then and there, and living in the moments that forever defined them.
Perhaps the real selves of us will forever remain an enigmatic mystery to all but those who've shared our experiences. Sort of like an in-group with an exclusive membership. And one that's not necessarily desirable either. But we are the sum of everything life has thrown at us, and we should be ready for whatever comes next.
But one thing I'm sure of is this: we'll never walk alone.
I guess we can never say we fully know someone inside out until we, figuratively, walk a mile in their shoes.
Sure, we may claim to know people close to us very well; but define "very well". Is it knowing their personality; their loves and hates; their past, secrets, fears, hopes and dreams; the way they think and feel; and how they see the world? That's all but one small part of knowing someone like the back of your hand.
Unless we go through what they have experienced, feel what they have felt and do what they have done, we can never say we truly know them.
The most we can do is empathise with them, and imagine what it must've been like to walk in their shoes. But it'll never replace the real thing, experiencing it all in the flesh, right then and there, and living in the moments that forever defined them.
Perhaps the real selves of us will forever remain an enigmatic mystery to all but those who've shared our experiences. Sort of like an in-group with an exclusive membership. And one that's not necessarily desirable either. But we are the sum of everything life has thrown at us, and we should be ready for whatever comes next.
But one thing I'm sure of is this: we'll never walk alone.
Monday, June 13, 2011
I'm not surprised
Nothing about anyone surprises me anymore.
I've seen the most normal, good-natured of people reveal sides of themselves no-one would have ever thought existed, their unassuming facades suddenly stripped away to expose a sinister and malignant entity.
I've heard from them revelations, lies and secrets that most would struggle to comprehend, coming from such a person whom they previously thought had nothing to hide.
That's because, like I stated in my 16 simple rules, everyone has a dark side. They just good at hiding it, that's all. And more often than not, too good at it.
Looks are deceiving; deep beneath the surfaces of even the most innocent, ingenuous of people, lie dark secrets, shameful regrets, fears, insecurities and guilts.
It's not as though people changed and stopped being who they used to be; it's simply that they brought their other, dark side to the surface for the world to see. They've always had it within them, like an alter ego, almost. They just never showed it to the world until now.
Which is why I do nothing more than simply raise an eyebrow or two, or scoff at some seemingly earth-shattering revelation about anyone nowadays. It's nothing new; it's been there all the time, just bubbling beneath the surface, hidden away and repressed like a painful memory, waiting for the day it can finally burst forth and shock everyone, and bring with it far-reaching implications for everyone in the person's life, be they family, friends, lovers or colleagues. And that's when everything, and possibly even life as you know it, changes. Perhaps forever, too.
Unless of course, you were expecting it all this time.
I've seen the most normal, good-natured of people reveal sides of themselves no-one would have ever thought existed, their unassuming facades suddenly stripped away to expose a sinister and malignant entity.
I've heard from them revelations, lies and secrets that most would struggle to comprehend, coming from such a person whom they previously thought had nothing to hide.
That's because, like I stated in my 16 simple rules, everyone has a dark side. They just good at hiding it, that's all. And more often than not, too good at it.
Looks are deceiving; deep beneath the surfaces of even the most innocent, ingenuous of people, lie dark secrets, shameful regrets, fears, insecurities and guilts.
It's not as though people changed and stopped being who they used to be; it's simply that they brought their other, dark side to the surface for the world to see. They've always had it within them, like an alter ego, almost. They just never showed it to the world until now.
Which is why I do nothing more than simply raise an eyebrow or two, or scoff at some seemingly earth-shattering revelation about anyone nowadays. It's nothing new; it's been there all the time, just bubbling beneath the surface, hidden away and repressed like a painful memory, waiting for the day it can finally burst forth and shock everyone, and bring with it far-reaching implications for everyone in the person's life, be they family, friends, lovers or colleagues. And that's when everything, and possibly even life as you know it, changes. Perhaps forever, too.
Unless of course, you were expecting it all this time.
Monday, June 06, 2011
When life shits you...
Sometimes, this is all you want to say to this thing we call Life:
A nice big FUCK YOU.
A nice big FUCK YOU.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
The End - Pearl Jam
One of my favourite songs that strikes a chord with me every single time I listen to it. Poignant, deep, beautiful yet simple, all at the same time. One of Pearl Jam's best songs. :)
The End - Pearl Jam
What were all those dreams we shared
Those many years ago?
What were all those plans we made
Now left beside the road?
Behind us in the road
More than friends I always pledged
Cause friends they come and go
People change as does everything
I wanted to grow old
Just want to grow old
Slide on next to me
I’m just a human being
I will take the blame
But just the same
This is not me
You see
Believe
I’m better than this
Don’t leave me so cold
Or buried beneath the stones
I just want to hold on
And know I’m worth your love
Enough
I don’t think
There’s such a thing
It’s my fault now,
Having caught a sickness in my bones
How it pains to leave you here
With the kids on your own
Just don’t let me go
Help me see myself
Cause I can no longer tell
Looking out from the inside of
The bottom of a well
It’s hell
I yell
But no one hears
Before I disappear
Whisper in my ear
Give me something to echo
In my unknown future's ear
My dear
The end
Comes near
I’m here
But not much longer.
The End - Pearl Jam
What were all those dreams we shared
Those many years ago?
What were all those plans we made
Now left beside the road?
Behind us in the road
More than friends I always pledged
Cause friends they come and go
People change as does everything
I wanted to grow old
Just want to grow old
Slide on next to me
I’m just a human being
I will take the blame
But just the same
This is not me
You see
Believe
I’m better than this
Don’t leave me so cold
Or buried beneath the stones
I just want to hold on
And know I’m worth your love
Enough
I don’t think
There’s such a thing
It’s my fault now,
Having caught a sickness in my bones
How it pains to leave you here
With the kids on your own
Just don’t let me go
Help me see myself
Cause I can no longer tell
Looking out from the inside of
The bottom of a well
It’s hell
I yell
But no one hears
Before I disappear
Whisper in my ear
Give me something to echo
In my unknown future's ear
My dear
The end
Comes near
I’m here
But not much longer.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Guardian angels
Is there a guardian angel watching over each and every one of us?
Watching and looking over us, silently guiding us through life as we go through its motions, roughs and tumbles?
Do they let us make mistakes so that we may learn from them, and protect us from making those that could cause irreparable harm?
Do they comfort us when we are sad, and revel in our moments of joy and happiness?
Do they give us strength in times of weakness, faith in times of crisis, hope in times of despair, and courage in times of fear?
And all of that through subtle manipulations of our mind that we are unconscious of?
Like the wind that blows through our hair, and like the air that we breathe, do we not see them, although they are always there?
Their existence is debated. But the notion of them is fascinating in itself.
Watching and looking over us, silently guiding us through life as we go through its motions, roughs and tumbles?
Do they let us make mistakes so that we may learn from them, and protect us from making those that could cause irreparable harm?
Do they comfort us when we are sad, and revel in our moments of joy and happiness?
Do they give us strength in times of weakness, faith in times of crisis, hope in times of despair, and courage in times of fear?
And all of that through subtle manipulations of our mind that we are unconscious of?
Like the wind that blows through our hair, and like the air that we breathe, do we not see them, although they are always there?
Their existence is debated. But the notion of them is fascinating in itself.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
I need you, but only if you need me
As it's stated in my now 16 simple rules, I am of the firm belief that the only people we need in our lives, are those who prove that they need us in theirs.
Which makes you stop to think, do I really matter to the people in my life? Or do they see me as a transient, nondescript human being, whom they have no desire to connect with? Someone who wouldn't care or grieve if I lost my life the next day, or walked out of their lives, never to return?
Once you have assessed that, you start to realise how many people you could just cull from your life, just because they could very well do without your existence. It wouldn't make a damn of a difference to them if you left; life goes on and they wake up the next day thinking nothing's changed. Though everything has for you.
Perhaps you need them; you cherish them and value them, but do they reciprocate that equally? Or even at all?
What do you do when they walk out of your life, leaving a gaping hole behind in it? They meant something to you, but to them, you were nothing. Nothing at all. Only something to be called upon when needed, and cast aside when not.
Which is why you cull those relationships that run like a one-way street. And early, too. You know the saying: leave before you're left.
As selfish as that sounds, just think about all the people whom you meant nothing to.
The end justifies the means.
Which makes you stop to think, do I really matter to the people in my life? Or do they see me as a transient, nondescript human being, whom they have no desire to connect with? Someone who wouldn't care or grieve if I lost my life the next day, or walked out of their lives, never to return?
Once you have assessed that, you start to realise how many people you could just cull from your life, just because they could very well do without your existence. It wouldn't make a damn of a difference to them if you left; life goes on and they wake up the next day thinking nothing's changed. Though everything has for you.
Perhaps you need them; you cherish them and value them, but do they reciprocate that equally? Or even at all?
What do you do when they walk out of your life, leaving a gaping hole behind in it? They meant something to you, but to them, you were nothing. Nothing at all. Only something to be called upon when needed, and cast aside when not.
Which is why you cull those relationships that run like a one-way street. And early, too. You know the saying: leave before you're left.
As selfish as that sounds, just think about all the people whom you meant nothing to.
The end justifies the means.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Winter
Winter came early.
The days are short, the nights long.
Cooped up at home next to the heater, gazing forlornly at the empty space in front of you, all alone and quiet while the heat drives away the last bits of cold. Sleep begins to come over you, and almost like a spell cast by an invisible, benign presence, you're in the land of the warmest spring; a rolling, blooming meadow of green, with ice-capped mountains in the distance. Mother Nature in all her glory.
Peace. But not for long.
The eerie blues taint the amber glow of life. Like a blue filter in the lens of a film camera. Everything suddenly becomes dull, lifeless and grey. Colours are almost unnoticeable, desaturated or ignored to the point of almost non-existence.
You descend into darkness and coldness. Like a void that only the turning tide of spring can lift you out of. A gravity so deep you cannot pull yourself out of it; one that gets deeper as the months go on and the void of nothingness grows ever deeper.
It's getting colder every day. Metaphorically speaking, too. A cold shoulder; a cold stare; an icy comment uttered in breathless haste, vapour barely escaping the near frozen, chattering mouth.
Your demons appear before you. Mocking you, taunting you, belittling you. You fight them, but to no avail. Never in your life have you been surrounded by company, yet felt so alone in the world. The people around you become faceless and alien. The inexplicable, piercing gazes of empty faces that inexorably penetrate your mind and stir up your deepest fears, long repressed in your subconscious that now bubble to the surface, about to explode cathartically with destructive force. The walls of your mind begin to collapse as the mounting tide of fears and demons crash against them angrily with hell-bent determination of setting themselves free.
A silent cry of help echoes in your mind. Nobody can or will hear you. Or even bother for that matter.
The strange things winter does to you.
But in the darkness, the light shines ever more brightly.
The days are short, the nights long.
Cooped up at home next to the heater, gazing forlornly at the empty space in front of you, all alone and quiet while the heat drives away the last bits of cold. Sleep begins to come over you, and almost like a spell cast by an invisible, benign presence, you're in the land of the warmest spring; a rolling, blooming meadow of green, with ice-capped mountains in the distance. Mother Nature in all her glory.
Peace. But not for long.
The eerie blues taint the amber glow of life. Like a blue filter in the lens of a film camera. Everything suddenly becomes dull, lifeless and grey. Colours are almost unnoticeable, desaturated or ignored to the point of almost non-existence.
You descend into darkness and coldness. Like a void that only the turning tide of spring can lift you out of. A gravity so deep you cannot pull yourself out of it; one that gets deeper as the months go on and the void of nothingness grows ever deeper.
It's getting colder every day. Metaphorically speaking, too. A cold shoulder; a cold stare; an icy comment uttered in breathless haste, vapour barely escaping the near frozen, chattering mouth.
Your demons appear before you. Mocking you, taunting you, belittling you. You fight them, but to no avail. Never in your life have you been surrounded by company, yet felt so alone in the world. The people around you become faceless and alien. The inexplicable, piercing gazes of empty faces that inexorably penetrate your mind and stir up your deepest fears, long repressed in your subconscious that now bubble to the surface, about to explode cathartically with destructive force. The walls of your mind begin to collapse as the mounting tide of fears and demons crash against them angrily with hell-bent determination of setting themselves free.
A silent cry of help echoes in your mind. Nobody can or will hear you. Or even bother for that matter.
The strange things winter does to you.
But in the darkness, the light shines ever more brightly.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
This arbitrary life
I never asked to be born into this world.
Not saying that I'm ungrateful of my existence. It's not like I had a choice; I just so happened to be brought into this world by my parents.
But I never asked to go through life and all its ups, downs and roller coasters in between. I never asked to feel great happiness, but also great despair at times. I never asked for problems and dilemmas, or their solutions either. I never asked to meet all the people I've encountered so far, or lose the ones I held close.
I never asked for any of that, or anything at all for that matter.
I never asked to exist.
Not saying that I'm ungrateful of my existence. It's not like I had a choice; I just so happened to be brought into this world by my parents.
But I never asked to go through life and all its ups, downs and roller coasters in between. I never asked to feel great happiness, but also great despair at times. I never asked for problems and dilemmas, or their solutions either. I never asked to meet all the people I've encountered so far, or lose the ones I held close.
I never asked for any of that, or anything at all for that matter.
I never asked to exist.
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