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.

Circle of life

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

Our indispensable nature

Life is designed in a way that we complement each other. No one is an island in reality. Life is mysterious; one may never know his/her influence until circumstances raise their head. However, in our superpowers, we still realise we are indispensable irrespective of our control and affluence. From childhood to fatherhood, I have had a series of influencers in my life; while some were out of circumstances and limited, though with huge impact, others are permanent like the rock of ages. From the onset, my family has been my bedrock, my parents in particular, because most traits I possess today wouldn’t be possible without them. To my siblings, whom I hold in high esteem, especially my immediate younger brother, who has always had my back in everything, I wouldn’t love them less in any way for their assistance whenever I reached out.

Like I have always said: life is what happens to us while we are busy with other things, and change is the only thing constant in life; As we develop and grow, we experience change both internally and externally; with change of environment comes new influence and affluence.

Circle of life

We suddenly realise that we no longer depend on our parents or siblings but friends, some of whom turned into family through character and affection. In that respect, I appreciate few friends who have withstood the length of time—those who have been a great source of help, relief, and understanding (Bob and Angie), whose advice and affection played a big role in my life. However, emerging into fatherhood brings yet another big influencers into my life. Unlike friends and relatives , my kids and wife impacts my everyday decisions and alter my way of life beyond my imagination.

Not everyone in life will have a positive impact on us; some people were meant to teach us lessons, test us, and others to strengthen us, and we should be grateful and appreciate life because just as we are influenced by others, in return we impact other people’s lives.noting the life cycle, which makes us all complacent in our commitments to one another even in our indispensable nature.