Twenty-Two

Twenty-Two

22:22, Dec 17th, 2022, Portland, OR, USA

I was supposed to sleep an hour ago, but I could not. Hence, I decided to call my parents because it was Sunday morning in Vietnam and they both stayed at home. My headache made me feel like exploding. I still could not sleep, even though I was so exhausted.

After the phone call, I decided to read some more pages of my new Christmas gift “The Art of Flourishing”, a book that I honourably received from Dr. Jeffrey Rubin. This book magically enlightens me with the magnificent beauty of simplicity and both Eastern-Western wisdom. Each chapter brings to me a significantly meaningful message. However, overall, they all make sense and are connected.

I am only twenty-two, and I feel like twenty-two! It was too irrational to compare myself to someone in his or her 30s, or even 50s or 60s. How would I be so skilful and wise like those experienced people who had spent most of their lives figuring things out? Therefore, there is no need for me to consistently ask myself these questions: Why must I excessively worry about things that are not in my control? Why do I have to insanely waste my time on mourning for something that is not guaranteed to occur? This asymmetrical comparison is unnecessary because it does not support me with any hopeful energy but disorientation and depression. On the other hand, I should orient myself back to the right track of a twenty-two-year-old person who needs to experience, make mistakes, get into trouble, then learn and grow up. To recap, I want to quote my favourite lyrics from “The Nights” by Avicii, “...one day you leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember!’.

I need to learn how to patiently wait for the ‘rights’ to happen- the right things will happen at a right time. Now I can understand why my swimming skill is horrible. Basically, I do not trust the water flow. I only focus on the fearful scenarios that worsen my aquaphobia symptoms. Again, this lesson reminds me that I should learn how to relax and trust the process. Live for the present moments and never stop improving myself every day. Once I am fulfilled with confidence, skills, and knowledge, life will lead me to a better place. Stay calm and positive…