Uncharted Fragments

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting the rays into the cozy living room of Mary and John’s suburban home. On the surface, they seemed like an ordinary couple. But cracks had begun to show in their long-lasting relationship, with frequent arguments they could never resolve. John’s work kept him busy, leaving Mary alone for long stretches of the day. Their neighbour Cleavant often filled that void. Polite and soft-spoken, he’d moved in a few months ago and quickly became a fixture in their lives - always helpful, always present, perhaps a little too present at times. One fine morning, Mary decided to clear her head with a jog. Her usual trail through the park was quiet, perfect for thinking. But that day, something stopped her - a piece of paper, pinned to a bush by a rock. It caught her eye and she hesitantly picked it up. It read:  “I am coming for you.” The wording struck her as odd. Her heart raced as she looked around. The park was empty, but the unea...

Belief is a strange thing. People often believe what they hear, assuming it’s true, sometimes without questioning its credibility. It’s fascinating how trust works, and today, I want to talk about how I manipulated the trust some of my closest ones had in me. An Unforgettable Night This story takes me back a couple of years when I was living far away from home. Only a handful of people (three or four, maybe) knew what really happened. Not my parents, not my friends, not my colleagues, not even my cousins. But now, I’m ready to share it. If you’re one of those people, brace yourself. One fine evening, I decided to go out alone. I needed some time to think, to process the events in my life and clear my head. A long ride to nowhere in particular. As I headed back to my place, I wasn’t paying much attention to the surroundings, just me and the road, lost in my thoughts. It was a pitch-dark night, no moonlight, with only faint headlights in the distance. And yes, I was slightly intoxicated...

Suggesting a Better Tomorrow: Putting Your Friends First If someone comes knocking on your door for help, don’t shut it as if you’re too busy, nor open it just to hurry them in and out. Pause for a moment. When people come to us for advice, they're trusting us with their hopes, fears, and struggles. They trust us with a small piece of their journey. Our words carry weight, so taking a moment to reflect on how our advice might impact them can be the first step in offering genuine support. I believe true support is about putting their needs before our own wants, assumptions, and dreams. Part 1: When Advice Comes from Ego There was a friend of mine who once came to me seeking advice on getting into a relationship. I was already in one, and I wanted them to experience the same connection I felt, so I encouraged them to go for it. But looking back, I realized I might have wanted it more for my own reasons than for theirs - maybe I didn’t want them to feel alone, or maybe I wanted the th...

Embrace the Ride Ever found yourself impulsively buying something because it seemed irresistible at the moment? Or have you experienced the rush of anger after an argument, only to feel a wave of regret afterward? I know I have. It’s in those moments when emotions take the wheel that we can feel like we’ve lost control. But the truth is, emotions don’t have to dictate our actions. We all have those times when emotions seem to take over. It’s so easy to react without thinking, whether it’s in a fit of anger or the thrill of sudden excitement. But recognizing that emotions are natural and temporary can help us gain control. Instead of letting ourselves be swept away by the emotions, we can choose to navigate them, allowing ourselves to process, understand, and grow. Understanding Emotions: A Natural Force Emotions are powerful, complex, and deeply human. They guide us, shape our perceptions, and drive our actions. I’ve often found myself caught up in intense emotions, only to realize lat...