Unplugged - Fireworks

Put the phone down.

While most choose to automatically whip out their phones and tries to take pictures of something beautiful that will fade all too quickly, I choose not to. Sometimes, you have to let life work its magic and allow yourself to be surprised and in awe of the wonders of nature. I take fireworks as an example - although you have seen fireworks displayed many times, we can coherently agree that not one firework looks the same. Therefore, when you witness something so beautiful and amazing, why not just be aware of your environment, company, atmosphere, and just enjoy the moment without giving in to the urge of constantly taking pictures. No matter how many pictures you take, you'll never be able to feel the same anyways, so just put the phone down. Instead, bask in the moment, don't miss any second of the moment, embrace the person you became prior to this moment, feel connected with those who are enjoying the moment with you, gives thanks that you are alive to experience this moment, and give a silent prayer to welcome even more moments like these in the future.

It's okay to forget.

Even if you happen to forget those memories, that's fine because something similar will come along your way of life, and the impact is going to be 100x greater and stronger because you are going to dig up that past memory that has been stored deep inside you for a long time, and re-connect with it through this present moment. It's okay to forget, because you never really do. You might not have that many once-in-a-lifetime pictures to reminisce with, but since life always moves forward, why have pictures that drag you back to the past? Whether it may be good or bad memories, I choose to live in the moment and remember that moment again only if granted. If not, I think of it as a benefit because perhaps, it wasn't that important to begin with and instead, just added growth to my overall well-being; molding me to the person I am today.

Troubled times.

As we face and work together to overcome COVID-19, let's seek to unplug from all the news overload and focus on what's important. I find it ironic that this virus is considered both a blessing and a curse. Obviously, the number of people dying all around the world is absolutely heartbreaking and my heart goes out to all families who have lost loved ones. But, this virus also had the power to bring out the good in people with numerous stories of people donating supplies, volunteering, retired doctors and nurses coming out to help, showing encouragement and support to strangers, finding creative ways to bond with one another; but most importantly, reminding us that no matter how big the mountain, it is never impossible to climb if we do it together. I'm sure there are a bunch of pictures of people helping one another in these troubled times (like the one below), but I believe what will truly impact us are not these pictures but remembering how we dealt and overcame this virus together. Looking back on how much we suffered, how we pushed through, how we tightly held to that thin string of hope, and how we came out the dark tunnel with bright smiles and eyes of relief. Those types of pictures can never be taken because there is no one speculating the moment, for we are all in the moment.

Unplugged.

This story is one of the many "unplugged" series that are scheduled to come in the future. My purpose of this series is for everyone to take a step back and see many situations from a different standpoint. Some viewpoints you may agree with me, while others not so much. However, I ask for your respect and open-mindfulness while reading because inspirations cannot come forth without differing opinions. Stay unplugged from the constant mainstream of similarities and plug into a fresh new perspective.