You are a different animal, nothing less.

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

The rain elapsed, followed by a slight sunshine. Having been home all day due to the reduction in job demand by the company I currently work for, I was among those laid off till further notice. Cold and jittery, my mind took the greater part of me. It has been raining all through this month, to the surprise of everyone. Where does the hall of mountain sunshine seem to be suddenly becoming a cold water forest? Maybe it’s climate change. Madrid, the center of Europe, has monotonous weather. 

What again is this topic about? * Which animal would I compare myself to and why? 

I quickly stepped outside the gate to grace the noon sun, which pelted my spirit and soul and had me in the same position with my body fighting over the best position, which was most enjoyable. Putting my face up directly to the rays of sunlight, eyes closed, wishing that I could be made to lie down in my position for a long period of time, though I was only in front of my house building, resting partially on a parked vehicle. Many passersby understood the importance of the sun to me, judging by their looks towards me, of which I paid no attention. Suddenly there was a bird noise, which reminded me of a particular bird back then in my hometown, usually heard early afternoon and evening, a unique one though. However, that is not the type of animal I am or like to be compared with, but I love its gentle and peaceful nature. 

Irrespective of your kind,no animal survives alone.

Even as the memories of hunting them for food in the past resonated in my mind, something I frown at currently because I believe that every animal has the right to life. There sit two birds of the same feather, like the usual words (they flock together), but something stood out that had me in awe, even to the point of taking my mind away from these golden rays of sunshine. I looked furiously towards the birds sitting on telephone cables; it appeared that they were young couples or friends of opposite sexes. It was my first time seeing such intimacy between such animals, even in humans. At first they spoke to each other in their language, then kissed passionately. I became confused because I never believed my eyes. Then they mated, after which they caressed each other by picking each other’s feathers, even to the extent of laying their heads on each other. I froze at my position, not realizing how long I had been gazing at these wonderful birds. Maybe the universe was talking to me indirectly about how life, courtship, friendship, and marriage should be, or maybe I am lost in my own thoughts. I quickly ran inside, having enjoyed the sun and the birds’ companionship… 

As humans, we are nothing less than a different animal, but whichever you choose to be, or compared with! Let it be with love, openness, and tolerance for one another; For irrespective of your kinds, no animal survives alone.

Your well-being; Your responsibility.

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

Trust is not given

Growth is inevitable, regardless of our life experiences. Sometimes situations arise that we wish had never happened, but in the long run, they often become our greatest teachers. Encounters with others teach us lessons, both good and bad. In reality, life will present us with a variety of circumstances, and how we choose to accept and find meaning in them is what truly matters. Trust is like glass; once broken, it can be restored but will never be the same.

People often take advantage of others. One thing about trust is that it typically comes from those we hold dear. As humans, we all have our unique characteristics and things that make us stand out, one of which is my greatest strength, loyalty. I trust wholeheartedly and believe that others will treat me the same way I treat them. Unfortunately, my hope for fair treatment and reciprocal behaviour was dashed early on by people I held dear, which ultimately shaped my expectations of others. I came to understand the importance of trusting myself and being open to people without expectations.

My early childhood experiences of betrayal were deeply painful, but they prepared me for adulthood, which brought its own set of emotional challenges related to trust. Having learnt these lessons early in life, I became aware of the harsh realities surrounding our society and the consequences of placing too much trust in others. This awareness has allowed me to apply these insights in my everyday life, therefore helping me grow while shielding me from disappointments and hurts at the same time.

Providing me with the understanding that my safety and well-being are solely my responsibility and no one else’s while appreciating people responsible enough to offer in return. Believing the assertion that trust indeed is not given but earned.