July 28, 2009

  • Xanga Teen Writing Contest: Fushipops

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    Life lessons are sometimes taught in the most unusual ways. Sometimes, on the other hand, they're taught through simple actions that symbolize a greater meaning. One day, I took off my glasses, and my father asked me why. Stowing my dark-rimmed spectacles away, I explained that seeing too clearly all the time made my eyes tired. My father was silent for a moment before saying, "at least you'll never see all the evil in the world." I gave him a skeptical look at first, not quite sure what he was implying. Then I realized something, something that I always knew but was never quite sure how to explain.

     

    Sometimes, seeing too clearly ends up blinding you entirely.

     

                What I mean to say is…in our modern society, kids and adults alike are too focused on the big picture. We devote ourselves to applications beyond our palpable reach. That's not to say that humans shouldn't dream big. Rather…to shed light on what is truly worth something. We as a generation want to widen eyes to see every possibility, every prospect, and every tangible goal in life that we often lose focus on what's standing right before us.

     

                We want to make the most money, get into the best college, realize a purpose, and see every aspect of life as clearly as possible…that we end up tiring ourselves out. We lose focus. We lose perspective.

                                                                                    

                The things closest to us, almost right in our faces, end up blurring, shifting out of place. They become forgetful holes in our vision. The holes are the simple things that we take for granted. The world is full of opportunity. There are so many choices that sometimes, we spiral out of control. Not getting into your favorite college, not finding the perfect job, not finding the perfect boyfriend to sweep you off your feet. Those things…they just don't matter. Not when you see as I see.

     

                A lousy grade means a lousy grade. It doesn't mean that I'll become a failure in life; it doesn't mean I'll never amount to anything. It's just a missed chance to shine. But the world moves on. Not landing the dream job won't destroy your entire future. There are billions of jobs in the world and only one you. Everybody has a place in the world.

     

                When you see to big, you miss the small things. The people who love you – the friends, the family, and the loved ones – are the holes in our generation's vision. The small things that bring you joy – a piece of cake, a beautiful sunset, or a movie and a bowl of popcorn – are the holes in our vision. We need to reset, refocus.

     

                 Glasses don't do anybody any good when they're out of focus.

     

    So when I take off my glasses I may not be able to see the whole world perfectly, but the things and people close to my heart…well that I can see clearly.