Hey, everyone~ How's it going? Hope you're all doing well. It's been ages since I wrote my last article, just wanted to let you know that I'm still surviving, haha. Quick life update, I've finished my thesis, graduated, and now I'm working as an AR at a logistics company in Tangerang. Yeah, I finally moved to the Jakarta area after saying multiple times that I didn't want to work there because of the pollution, lol. But honestly, the situation here isn't as bad as I thought, at least in Tangerang Kota. Even though the daytime heat is no joke, it's somehow better than in Semarang.
Okay, too much information. About two months ago, right when I was looking for jobs here and there, I felt so bored (even neglected this blog, lol) with my repetitive unemployed routine. So, I decided to reread one of my favorite webtoons, which I happened to have reviewed on this blog too, Dr. Frost. There's one chapter that I really love, and it somehow made me cry when I read it. The title of the chapter is "터널의 끝에는 빛이 있는가?" or in English, "Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?". Honestly, when I read the title, I was kinda skeptical, like, what does the title mean? But turns out, when I read that chapter, I felt this emptiness and void.
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| Photo by Benmar Schmidhuber on Unsplash |
The phrase "Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?" is actually a metaphor often used to express hope or belief that, even in the face of difficulty or tough times, there's a possibility that things will get better in the future. The phrase is also frequently used to describe situations where someone feels trapped in difficulties but is still seeking hope and recovery. Literally, it refers to the idea of a long, dark tunnel where seeing the light at the end can be interpreted as finding hope or the end of those tough times. This phrase can be a symbol for feelings of despair and uncertainty about the future. Individuals experiencing psychological pressure often feel like they're in an emotional "tunnel," where it's hard to see a way out or any hope. The question about the "light at the end of the tunnel" can reflect confusion and concerns about whether there's a solution or recovery.
Honestly, I felt like my life was at the peak of my strength. Sometimes, it's just so tiring. So many questions I threw out there when I felt like the most miserable person in the world. Similar to the phrase above, it feels like walking in a long and dark tunnel, guessing on my own, is there really a light at the end of this tunnel I'm going through? But little by little, I started to change my mindset, simply because I listened to the song "I Lived" by OneRepublic. "I did it all, I owned every second that this world could give, I saw so many places, the things that I did, and with every broken bone, I swear I lived." Why do just those lyrics 'revive' my sense of life? Well, because I want to spend every second given by God well, visit many beautiful places, do and try many things I've never done. I want this life to mean something; I want to write my life's adventure as exciting as possible. Yes, I never get tired of finding reasons to 'live' tomorrow simply because there are still many things I want to do and try.
One day, I was so sad because of my miserable condition, just could cry. At that moment, I just thought, "Come on, hold on, next week I'll get my salary. I'll buy cookies and cream frappe." Yeah, my reason for holding on at that time was because my payday was just around the corner, and I could buy a frappe. So, hurting ourselves is not a key, or I can say, not the light you're looking for, not the only solution. Try to love yourselves, be happy with the money you've collected, buy things you like, try things that tickle your curiosity, and find the smallest reason to hold on.
"So what should I do?" Here, I have a message for you, for me in the future who is looking for a reason to persevere.
"You won't live like this forever."
Understanding the cyclical nature of life is important to maintain hope. Just like the night is followed by the day, our lives also experience moments of darkness and light. It's important to realize that tough times are temporary and that the ebb and flow of life will eventually lead us to a more positive phase. Life is always spinning; maybe the speed varies for each individual, but everything will eventually end. However long the night, it will turn into morning.
"We are stronger than we think."
Resilience is the foundation of hope. It is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to withstand life's challenges, and to keep moving forward. Resilient individuals find strength in adversity, using it as a catalyst for personal growth. By embracing resilience, we empower ourselves to face difficulties with the confidence that it is not insurmountable. Try to remember again, the tough times you've been through. You could endure it, right? Because actually, we are that strong.
"Hanging out with friends on weekends while talking about life is so much fun!"
In the tunnel, isolation can intensify feelings of hopelessness. It is crucial to reach out to others for support and connection. Whether it's friends, family, or professional help, sharing our burdens can lighten the load and provide a fresh perspective. Often, the act of seeking support itself becomes a guiding light of hope. Imagine being able to play Mobile Legends, play Genshin, and talk about anime and movies with friends on weekends; that's priceless. Don't lock yourselves away.
"The future is unknown; we can only try our best."
The future is inherently uncertain, and the unknown can be a source of anxiety. Yet, it is also a canvas waiting to be painted with new experiences and opportunities. Embracing the unknown with an open heart and mind allows us to approach life with curiosity and hope, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to the end of the tunnel. Don't think too much about what hasn't happened yet because we can't control it, and don't think too much about what has happened because we can't change it.
"And do not (commit suicide) kill yourselves (one another). Surely Allah is Most Merciful to you." (the Holy Quran, 04:29).
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| Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash |
In conclusion, I can only give encouragement and best wishes so that we all can be given the strength to face all trials and challenges in our lives. Hopefully, we all stay strong in any circumstances. Until we meet again, let's smile broadly when we meet again. Don't forget to drink water and stay hydrated! Bye~
TMI this month: I'm addicted to playing Genshin Impact because my office colleagues invited me to play this game, lol.