i hope you make the best of it.

Photo by me

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late... to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”

― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button screenplay

Am I proud of the life I'm living? I ask myself this question almost daily. 

1, 5 or maybe 10 years from now, will I be able to look back and safely say that I have lived a life with an open mind, with outstretched hands and an honest heart? 

I think to the point of exhaustion but the thoughts are like waves and too often, I can't seem to find the courage to even go against my own current. Too afraid of being judged or to be thought of in anything but a beaming, unfaltering positive light. 

The scariest thing about it all is that there are no rules. No guidelines, no maps, no instructions or proven method. We are but stories - ever-changing and never-ending - where the only sure thing in common is the mutual need for water and sleep. Some of us dream of fame, others for love while some live completely in the present.

One of my favourite things in life is getting to know people and asking them questions like: "What's your view on religion?" "Do you keep a diary?" "Have you ever been in love?" "If you had three wishes..." "Any hidden talents or passions?" 

It's incredible to hear how different responses can be, and at times unexpected. Out of the 7 billion people in this world, it only takes one to make you pause, smile or cry. I'd like to think that we can always learn from every person we meet and it's those moments that define us.

Let go of worry, jealousy and laziness. Hold the door open for the stranger behind you, write a practical to-do list that you can actually complete, compliment yourself and give your mum a hug. I was going to add "wake up earlier" but it's almost 3am right now and I'm already sleep deprived. If you've made it this far, I'd love to hear your thoughts - maybe you could make sense of what I just wrote. 

Bonus points to those who answer my getting-to-know-you questions.