I.
The other day I pulled a door close mindlessly and with a jolt I realized it actually closed. See, I’ve pulled this same door shut several times in the past and it never stayed. It always went back open straight away, announcing its age and rust by making ill noises.
But, it closed that day. I pulled the door and it held firm. It’s just a plain, ol’ door but it got me inspired. Every single time I feel like giving up because I think things won’t work out…I shouldn’t.
II.
One day we shall no longer eat the dragonfly.
This was the title of a story my class worked on in 100-level. Even now, I have no idea what the point, moral or usefulness of the story was. There were no dragonflies mentioned, talk less of eating them.
But time and time again, the title rings in my head. I like the sound of it. So, I have come up with my own idea of what it means. I shake my head as I whisper “One day we shall no longer eat the dragonfly”. Then, I imagine all the feels I don’t want anymore as ‘the dragonfly’ - shege, sapa, see finish.
III.
The young shall grow.
I do know both the denotative and connotative meanings of this. That one day, the stuttering of a child shall evolve into a sure tone carrying weighty conversations. That one day, the flimsy questions like “Why is the moon following me?” shall become neat conclusions, “Optical Illusions”. That one day, you’ll become the one calling your mother to know if she has had dinner.
You’ll realise you’re not the youngest in the room, bills lay on your table, you’re buying fuel, paying rent and a teenager is calling you “Uncle Dami”.You’ll realize you’re signing out of Uni, and there’s now a clog in the “pocket money” pipe.
IV.
Kindness is a you thing and the quicker this is understood, the more peace one will keep. You have to know that the act of being kind is a one-way street (even if it isn’t supposed to be). Stretch out your hand to others, but don’t expect a thing back. Perhaps, this is the meaning of kindness - that you don’t expect to be rewarded or paid back. You do the kind deed because that’s who you are and that’s what you want to do.
And so, when someone walks with muddy feet on your kind act, you call the person out. But, you don’t change your heart, you never change your heart because you know your kindness has little to do with them.
V.
"I don't think existence wants you to be serious. I have not seen a serious tree. I have not seen a serious bird. I have not seen a serious sunrise. I have not seen a serious starry night. It seems they are all laughing in their own ways, dancing in their own ways. We may not understand it, but there is a subtle feeling that the whole existence is a celebration."
- Osho (via feelingisthesecret)
Till my next post,
Keep Unboxing.
Reading:
Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra: I must have mentioned this book before. But wait, did I really-really tell of its goodness? I don’t think I can even try. Tell me, what book haunts you? What book continues to pull you back? Unfinished has been the one for me. The book is packed with Pri’s childhood lessons from her parents and I’m awed at the intentionality of such parenting style. She had wide exposure, wild dreams and a big supportive family. I don’t want to go on, and on, but maybe a review?
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: Okay, so I knew I said the book wasn’t my vibe before but I pushed guys. I just didn’t want to believe a book that was hyped had nothing exciting in it. Plus, at odd times, like when I’m doing the dishes, I find myself wondering “Whatever happened to Violet? Did she get a dragon too?”. And boom, I’m plopped on my bed, turning the pages of Fourth Wing. It did get better and the plot kept me sewn in. Sighs.
Watching:
Scoop: The movie is based on real-life events. I found I was glued to the screen, mesmerised mostly by the psychological deets that go into making good television interviews. Especially when it comes to interviews with corrupt leaders who take advantage of underage girls. Phew, a thorough movie!
I'd like to hear from you. What media have you been consuming? What have you been up to? What is your name? What is the colour of the sky? Tell me anything at all. I'll be waiting in the comment.
I keep learning a lot when I read your piece. I saw a post somewhere that'd like to add to the kindness bit, It says "when you give someone something while expecting something in return, that's business not kindness" Thanks Mami