literature

Leaving the cave

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Literature Text

You have the strength to leave the cave.

You may not always realize it.  Sometimes you need help.  But it's there, inside of you.

Sometimes, you can look at the cave entrance and realize that the great big monster keeping you inside has been merely your own shadow.  And you can step into the light.  You find yourself returning to the cave from time to time, and you will feel yourself slipping back in, but you did it.  You stepped outside.

Sometimes, all it takes is a caring soul to step in and help you realize it.  Sometimes they have to step out of their own caves to help you out of yours.  But when they do, they realize it, too.

The important thing to realize, though... is to never fear the cave.  To never fear your own shadow.  For if you do, you may find yourself recreating the beast that trapped you.  It's okay to be sad.  It's okay to be depressed.  If society hates you for it, laugh in their faces.  Society demands a lot of unhealthy things from us human beings.  They demand an unreasonable standard of beauty from women.  An unreasonable standard of self-esteem from men.  An unreasonable standard of conforming to gender roles, to sexuality, to what is acceptable and normal.  An unreasonable standard of patriotism from the forgotten homeless.  An unreasonable standard of religion from those persecuted by the same religion.

But they are the ones to be pitied.  They deny themselves.  And for what?  For eyes watching them 24/7 in a misguided mockery of "Fame"?  For money that they will never have a chance to spend and yet cling to like it's their lifeblood?  For power over other people because they have none over themselves?

As Katy Perry sang... you're a firework.  Just waiting to let your colors burst.  Your worth is not dictated by how many friends you have, or what your reputation in your immediate area is, or the person you are bonded to.  Be yourself.  Allow your truest heart to shine in the world.  The only friends that will matter will come to you because of who you are, not because of what you present yourself as.

There will be pleasure.  There will be pain.  There will be joy.  There will be sadness.  There will be peace.  There will be fury.  These are all normal parts of every day life, and you must embrace the bad with the good.

Sometimes, the cave is filled with beautiful gems.  Sometimes, the cave is filled with life-giving herbs.  Maybe because you dwelled within the cave, you can help others out of theirs.  Regardless, if you leave the cave, you will be a stronger person for your experiences.

You are only as weak as you allow yourself to be.  And yet, it's okay to be weak sometimes.  Not everyone is strong 100% of the time.

You do not need a deity to give you purpose.
You do not need to have sex or be a virgin to have worth.
You only need to be you, because that is the greatest gift you could ever have.

Sometimes, you can only see the bad.  Sometimes, you can only see the dark side of the moon.  This is a part of life, too.  Do not let yourself dwell in the shadow.  Examine it.  Use it.  Become better for it.  When the full moon rises again, it will seem brighter and more beautiful than before.

Do not let the shadow devour you.  But do not shun the shadow either.  It is a part of you.  It is caused by the light that shines from within you.  The brighter the light, the darker the shadow.  But without shadow, we could not appreciate the light.  So, embrace it.  Learn from it.  Talk to it.  Listen to it.  Argue with it.

The light is precious, too.  It is you.  Your life.  Never snuff it out because you fear the shadow.  Never let another snuff your light out.  And never let anyone else's light get snuffed out.  Light and shadow.  Joy and misery.  Pride and Despair.  These must exist together.

People don't always get along.  Your friend today may be your worst enemy tomorrow.  Your worst enemy today may need you to rescue them from their cave.  Or sometimes, the person who bullies you has their light snuffed out in a tragic accident.

It won't be easy.  It's never easy.  From the moment we are born we struggle every minute of our lives to keep our light going.  Some people keep it glowing with relative ease.  Others maintain the illusion of a bright glow to attract others to them.  Both of these have their own problems.  And you have your own problems.  Maybe their problems are greater than yours.  Maybe your problems are greater than theirs.  But these problems are still problems.  Do not ignore your problems because they seem lesser in comparison to the grand plan.

Sometimes, looking at the big picture is good.
Sometimes, looking at the smaller portraits is better.
And sometimes, focusing entirely on yourself is necessary.

Being selfless is good.  Being too selfless is poisonous.
Being selfish is good.  Being too selfish is toxic.

Remember.  You are you.  You are important to you.  Do not miss the world for yourself, but do not miss yourself for the world.

May your heart shine true, and may your shadow stay calm.
Had kind of an emotional breakthrough today. I was brought deeper into my cave (see my thing about depression) but in the darkness, I found the exit. All it took was someone telling me what I needed to hear at that moment when I had my heart laid bare.

Maybe my words will help you leave your caves. Maybe not. Maybe it'll annoy you. That's fine too.

Depression is not an easy thing to overcome. In fact, I'd say it's impossible. But that doesn't mean you have to let it rule you. I'm going to stop letting it rule me.

Blessings upon you all.
© 2013 - 2024 Zerrick
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