To my friend whom just turned 23.
A chap once said: “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”
Never let the feeling of failure bring you down. Rather, ride on it and let it propel you forward to the realm of success. May every step backwards empower to take two forward.
In our 6 years of friendship, I am confident I have been there for you where possible. Though we had certain rough moments in time where we chose to self-censor our criticisms of each other, and move on, there were moments were advice were mutually dished out in brutal honesty.
Now is such a moment as well. I believe that the value of age and the short length of life has shown up at your door. With a stark realization, you are forced to ponder certain questions and issues that did not puzzle you before. Tears are seen as weaknesses, as are lack of self-control of emotions.
But how can we not be humans if we do not have emotions? It would be so easy to hold your hand and wipe your tears away and say that it will be alright. I know you know it will not. More challenges will pass by your way in the days to come, that will tear you down, build you up, and raise you to higher heights.
As you embark on self-improvement and strive to take heed of your actions and emotions, remember not to self-censor yourself too much, lest other people wonder who you truly are and think of you as a fraud.
I dare say that you are a part of what has helped me to realize my purpose in life. But, that's another post for another time. :)
The walk to life may seem short when reflected, but its value is measured in the shortness of seconds.
