A Simple Chat

Hello.

I'm so sorry to bother. I couldn't help but wonder why you were sitting there and crying alone.

I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Calvyn. And it's alright if you don't want to shake my hand. I mean, we've only just met, right? Or have we met sometime ago?

You don't recall? Perhaps it's but a figment of my imagination then. Sorry.

Forgive me if I'm intruding, but I must ask: why are you crying?

My apologies. I know I shouldn't be asking, but seeing you in such a condition actually had me worried. Yes, I know it's hard to believe but I guess you can say I'm but one of a few of a dying breed of Samaritans out there.

Well, I don't know what's bothering you and I don't mind if you don't intend to tell me your reasons. Just keep them to yourself, alright?

Is it alright if I sit here? It is? Alright, I will, thank you.

The world is a cruel place to live in now. Everyday we are demanded to be at our best, no matter who we are or where we come from. During our childhood, our parents expect us to be at our very best behavior. In school, teachers want us to score the best possible grades in our capacity - though of course, they do want us to exceed our expectations. In the university, our lecturers hope we prepare the best report they'd ever seen. And at work, our employees want us to be the best in an unforgiving, competitive world.

It's so stressful.

Why does Life have to be so hard to us? There were times when I wondered if I'd ever find an answer - or answers - to this question. In the past, I would always be griping about how terrible my day was and all the terrible things that happened to me to anyone I knew - my friends, my family and even my fellow colleagues. Not only that, I'd inadvertently cause more trouble to myself rather than avoid it at all costs, and yet I was too blind to see beyond my initial judgments that everything was actually a mess.

I was resigned to the fact that I would always be in a state of delirium and despair. And I felt as if nothing in the world could save me from my misery.

But I guess... I guess I was wrong.

But take it easy, alright? It's not going to do you any good to cry. Well, of course it'll make you feel better. That I won't deny. Do you feel better? Well, good for you then. Sometimes we need to cry out our worries. But maybe it'd be better if you have someone to confide in. Such people are always of valuable help.

Don't sweat it out! The world is still yours for the taking. But it matters that you stay focused and stay strong despite all odds. And stay strong, you must, for your own good!

Everyone you know would definitely have high expectations on you, just like what I said earlier. And as much as we want to live up to such expectations, it's hard to accept that we can't always please everyone. It might seem easy for some to be able to balance out their work and play so neatly, while others would have a hard time just trying to focus on one of the two.

Me included. But I digress.

We can't make everyone happy. We can't expect to be in their winning list all the time. We're not born to be superhuman. In fact Lady Gaga sang it truthfully in her song "Born This Way" that we should 'rejoice, and love yourself today' because we were born this way. So all things considered, no matter what the others have to say we need to fuel ourselves with the faith to carry onwards fearlessly. Don't allow anyone else to make you feel insecure about yourself.

You are who you are. Can they take that away from you? Over their dead bodies!

Would you like a drink? I still have this 100 Plus can here I just bought. You can have it.

Nah, it's no big fuss. Just take it.

You don't have to repay me for that. Just take my advice to heart, and I'm sure you'll go far. You just have to believe, and it'll be alright in the end.

Now, I'd stumbled upon a video of a man named Nick Vuijcic on YouTube. Sorry, I don't really know how to pronounce his last name properly. Anyway, Nick here doesn't have any arms nor legs. The only thing that does come close to a leg is a little ingrown limb where his right leg is.

Many disabled people do come to terms with their condition. But not Nick. Oh, not Nick. He accepts his condition with good faith. And with lots of practise, he can easily do the things we can do all by himself. No need for anyone to lend a hand. Even when he's literally down on the ground, where it might seem impossible for someone like him to rise up, he proves that his condition can't stop him.

If Nick can carry the willpower to do so, why can't we? Why can't you?

Just remember now: no matter how tough the challenges ahead may be, just emulate Nick's strength to overcome even the greatest of challenges with enthusiasm and patience. Who knows, you'd be surprised to see how far you'll go in the near future.

So cheer up now. You have so many reasons to smile about. Keep smiling and keep shining. Do your best, and remember not to overwork yourself. You'll get closer to a brighter future.

Well, I have to leave now. I hope I helped out where I could.

Here's my number. If you need some advice or just someone to talk to feel free to call or text me, alright?

Cheers to you. And take care of yourself.