Made out of columns

Life is full of losses, whether it´s losing a friend, a job, a family member, or a partner. And you need to wait for all these losses to pass and not lose hope in the process.

It would be nice to know what awaits us, so we can prepare, but would it really be nice? I´m a girl who needs certainties and hates change. But if this year taught me anything, it´s that changes are what make life interesting and what actually make us feel alive. Because even though things can go to shit, you always rise from there like a shit-covered phoenix.

That was a bad metaphor.

Nevermind.

Imagine a temple. The beautiful marble Greek temple, with decorated columns. And then imagine a tree next to it. If the storm were to occur (probably because Zeus was mad that there weren´t enough worshippers in the temple) and a lightning bolt hit the tree, it would fall down. But if it struck one of the columns, the temple would suffer a loss, but it would still be standing.

Do you see where I´m going with THIS metaphor?

If you´re basing your life on one person, one hobby, one place or one job, you´re screwed. Because life will most probably take it away, eventually. I sound like a cynic right now, but it´s true. The jobs will be lost, friends will lose touch, relationships will fall apart, and hobbies will change.

People change within seconds, and it´s a good thing. But you need to accept it and, most importantly, be prepared for it.

I lost a job about three weeks ago. It stung for a day, but the next day, I was mostly over it. I was moving out at the same time, I wrote stories at night, played volleyball, and spent time with my friends. And I had my family to calm me down, offer me support, and assure me that everything would be fine.

I didn´t make the job my whole personality. I made it a column in my temple, and I stood out the storm that crashed into it. Whether it´s having many hobbies or a few really good friends, it´s vital to have them. They will be the pillars holding your building.

If you break up with someone, having a friend means you can whine to them for hours, laugh with them about the red flags of your ex, and send memes about your past relationship. And when you feel like you´re losing yourself, you can always sit down with an instrument, take a pencil in your hand, or go for a jog to clear your mind.

And the best of them all? Books! Nothing beats getting lost in an alternative reality.

So, go build some new columns for your temple, you goddess!

Love,

Book and Tea Girl