The Art of Not Caring | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
The Art of Not Caring
Makayla Mecier

I do not solve Rubik's cubes because they calm me.

Nor is this the reason that I recite Pi, faster and faster to myself.

It is for the insanity, the crazy, untamed energy I get from it. And in this way, I cope.

It is far better than the alternative, I believe. The alternative of killing oneself, emotionally, until there is nothing left to feel, an all exciting things are no longer exciting and all painful things become everyday occurrence.

But, that is what has become fashionable, to kill oneself. Not physically, that has always been an option floating around in peoples minds; perhaps things would be better if I were gone.

But they wouldn't.

The families of the willingly fallen have known this since the dawn of the idea, and everyone else, everyone who has never been the fallen or known the fallen, is just now starting to understand it.

What I mean when I say that people "kill" themselves is an inward killing, an eradication of emotion, of feeling. This is how people have chosen to cope with their difficulties, and I don't think we have seen something quite like this before. At least, not in such large numbers.

Becoming "cool" towards everything has become common-place, it seems. Now everyone gets embarrassed if they laugh too loudly, if they say a funny joke. God forbid they dance in public and really mean it.

But, I refuse this.

To live is to risk, to risk is to reach towards an earned reward, and an earned reward is the only one worth having.

There is a certain conversation with life that happens when you allows yourself to be vulnerable. I believe life pays attention to when you really want something, and sacrifice not only time and energy, but hope and faith, as well.

The greatest achievements can only be made through an equal sacrifice.

To reach for your dream is to give all of you, and not to be cool and distant to protect yourself from loss, but to be very, very vulnerable, and let the world see right into and to how much you want what you reach for.

Vulnerability, the willingness to risk being disappointed, the willingness to fail, is the only way to grow stronger, and the only way to understand just how to earn what life can offer.

Failing isn't a terrible end to avoid, but a wonderful fight to sharpen the mind and body to become better, to spar with will and make it want to say no to stopping. This thing we run from, this failure we fear, is nothing to fear at all, but something to welcome.

If we were perfect, and won every battle, we would only ever be exactly as we are, and would never be made into who we need to be, who the world needs us to be.

So, to my generation, don't be afraid of failure, and do not fear pain. For, these are the things that will strengthen you, and from this strength, one can only ever gain.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

12 Long-Term Relationship Milestones

You've got a keeper if you've made it to any of these milestones.

181
couple on the beach
Pexels

You've been together for so long. It's great. And as the time spent in your relationship grows, you hit certain milestones where you know it's real. These can be make-or-break moments, or just little things where you finally realize that you're both doing it. Everybody hits these milestones, no matter how long it takes; they're inevitable.

You know you've made it when you hit these long-term relationship milestones.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Of The Best Shows To Binge Watch Over Winter Break

As the semester is coming to an end, most of us are going to have more free time on our hands. This calls for binge watching a new show on Netflix and really using this break to relax from the stress of school. Here are some of the best shows on Netflix that you should be watching.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Gifs That Explain Your Lazy Weekend

Get ready for 2.5 days of doing absolutely nothing

881
netflix
Kayla Master

Admit it: everyone loves to have a lazy weekend every once in a while. Not too much work to do, comfy clothes, Netflix binge sessions: just a few of the perfect components of a relaxing weekend. While you may get to a point where you regret doing absolutely nothing with your weekend, you just got to pull through and finish out this weekend to prove that you can go 2.5 days without accomplishing a single thing.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

2987
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments