Dear you,
It might be sunny, one of those hot, 80-degree weather days. It might be rainy, and you are bundled up in your warmest clothes. It might just be a normal day, a perfect crystal-clear blue sky outside. Regardless of the weather outside, where you are, who you are, and any other differences we might have, we are all united in this: we are all living on this little blue planet, and are human.
I would imagine that the dictionary definition of the word "human" would be somewhat scientific. Yet, I believe that my definition would not match with what would be found in a dictionary.
Humans are capable of great love, and great hate. It has always been a guaranteed part of life, of humanity, by having extremes. After all, there are times of both extreme happiness and unhappiness in life. Ultimately, I think those times shaped how we were, how we are now, and how we will be.
You might be at a low now. Maybe you are at your highest high yet. You might even be floating somewhere in between, that lovely place where I currently belong.
Regardless, life is always changing, constantly moving in an endless cycle. This life seems to be a constant unknown: the future often seems daunting, embracing, all sorts of contradicting emotions that are almost impossible to make out.
As we grow up, this fear of the future gets stronger. There are so many things to do, so little time, and the urge to become someone extraordinary. Comparing myself to everyone else, it does quite literally seem like I am just one out of the eight billion people living on this planet. After all, if they can do it, I should, too!
Yet, this leaves me forgetting the truly important values of life, the values that sustain and enrich the experience of being human. I find it harder to focus on the details of life, and plow ahead instead, searching for something that deems my future "secure." Less and less do I stop to reflect and be thankful for all I achieved so far.
I have learned since then that it is important to stay connected: to yourself, what is happening around you, and your loved ones.
Staying true to yourself is something that should be mandatory. You are the person who knows yourself the best, and therefore the best person to regulate your different goals, ambitions, and moods. Learning to focus on the things you need is important, instead of focusing on things others expect you to focus on.
Additionally, it is okay to take breaks for yourself. You do not need to accomplish everything, only the things that matter to you. No one is perfect, which contributes to the beauty of learning and growing from your mistakes.
Remembering the people who have stuck with you through thick and thin, the people who have supported you at your lowest and highest is also truly important.
Your family, no matter how much you do not like them sometimes, is a part of you. They are not just people you share your roots with, but the people who greatly impacted the person you are today. Whether you grew up reading mom's bedtime stories or comparing height marks on the wall with your sibling, those memories last for a lifetime. Those memories live and bloom through your past, present, and future self.
Your friends, no matter how far away they feel from you sometimes, are a part of you. From a toddling elementary schooler to an older and more mature version of yourself, your friends have grown up with you as well. Together, you will keep on growing, achieving new milestones, making precious memories, and supporting each other.
Your educators, no matter how difficult their coursework might be, are a part of you. All your teachers mean the best and are advocating for you to learn and grow from the knowledge they teach you. They give it their all to teach their material every day and do many admirable things for us that often pass without any recognition.
Without the support of all these people, it would have been impossible to become the people we all are today. The next time you see a family member, friend, or teacher, take a second to appreciate them and give them a hug.
You may now be wanting some clarification on what my definition of "human" is. My definition is love: for yourself, and the people you meet. To me, it is being able to smile at my failures.
It is being able to look at a bad test grade and think, how can I improve? It is being able to hug a friend when they have accomplished something I have always wanted to accomplish. It is being able to overcome my fears and worries because I have faith that there will be light at the end of the dark tunnel.
So, I encourage you to be human. Read a good book. Laugh with your friends until you cry.
Keep pushing at a goal you have always wanted to try but never accomplished. Learn to accept mistakes as part of who you are. Life is short, so it should be packed with both sweet and bittersweet moments.
All I ask of you is to let this letter occupy a tiny piece of your sweet moments, for you to be smiling after finishing it. My hope is that no matter what obstacles or joys befall you, you will remain standing.
In the end, we are all still perfectly human, after all.
With love,
Jion
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