Running on Empty

“If it hurts this much, then it must be love.” - Always Attract by You Me At Six

Take a glance at the world. What do you see? 

Everyone sees the world through different perspectives. Some can take a look at their surroundings through a narrow scope, only seeing what they want to see. Others can open themselves up and see everything around them; the horrors as well as the beauty in this world. It’s how we view the world that shapes us to be who we are. If one is narrow-minded, how can one open themselves up to love, as well as appreciation for the gifts that one has been blessed with. If one can be open minded, absorbing everything they see as something new in this world, then one can truly appreciate their life and the people they have in it. It’s not about selfishness, jealousy, stubbornness, or even anger. Everyone is guilty of these expressions, but there is beauty in even the most difficult moments. 

Many view others as bystanders in the world. People floating around; people that have nothing to do with their own life. Have you ever tried to take a step back from your own life, and really look around you? Majority of people believe that others can’t relate to an issue that one might be struggling with. That is wrong though. Everyone struggles. Everyone has issues that they try to work through; some more serious than others. One might be coping with a mental disease, another struggling with the death of a loved one, another with financial problems, or another with a broken heart. Whatever the issue is, someone out there is faced with a similar, if not the same, issue.  

When I take a step back, I can see many things. The destruction of a nation; violence being the only thing that someone knows. I can see a troubled heart, or a friend in need. I can also see the buds of flowers floating in the wind gracefully. I can see an old couple, holding hands, while walking in the street, looking very in love and clearly dedicated to one another. I can see a newborn child, being cradled by one of the parents. I can also see the violence that plagues not only my neighborhood, but hundreds of miles away. But just because I can notice this, what does that mean?

Destruction allows people to value what they have in life. People are able to treasure their families or what is important to them. It gives one the ability to grow closer to a person. When America was attacked, it brought a sense of unity amongst people. A unity that would not have normally been present if one was living a normal, regular day.

Nature shows you what is physically beautiful in this world, even though there are people bent on destroying beautiful areas. It should still be appreciated, even in small quantities. Graffiti, while it is displayed on buildings or public property, each symbol, letter or drawing is an expression of an emotion felt by someone. A thought, or a feeling so deep with hatred or pride, that it was shown for the world to see. It is simply art.

Love shows you what you can value in life. It allows you to put your trust into someone else’s hand and allows someone to see even your most vulnerable side. Jealousy, selfishness, romance, laughter, happiness: all of which are entangled into the definition of love. One is able to grow and learn about themselves, as well as potentially see a side of you that you never knew existed.

The beauty in this world is not based on looks, or money. It is based on appreciation, and being able to realize that everyone is struggling with something. Take a step back and look around you. What do you see?