Sonder

Sonder – the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. (Originally from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows)

It’s fascinating how we all walk around all day long as if we have got everything handled, as if our lives are in tact and as if we can’t relate when someone speaks of ‘problems’. Is it such a bad thing though? Imagine a world where we all look like what we are going through… hectic. The crazy reality is that every single random person you see online and in public has stories about their lives that would shock you.

We don’t walk around crying when something bad has happened to us, we tell ourselves to keep it together – at least until we get home. We don’t breakdown everytime someone asks us how we are doing, the question is always answered with broad smiles on our faces and an, ‘Oh I’m good thanks!’ Everyone puts a front and smiles if necessary.

A stranger passing by could be holding in their hurt from finding out that their loved one has passed away. Another stranger could be preparing for their wedding that’s happening the next day and someone else passing by has probably just committed a crime yet look at how they all walk and look the same – as if it is just an ordinary day.

We have made it such a ‘norm’ to be constantly happy and to always have our lives together making it so hard for us to deal with any problems and inconveniences that arise. What you should take away from this is that everybody has something going on in their lives, you included. It’s really not your place to judge what others do because you don’t know what thoughts they are trying to avoid or what problems they are trying to solve.

We are all just pushing to survive the day, we are all fighting for never-ending happiness. Treat people with kindness, even those who are rude, let them be and be the bigger person instead. Ignore their energy and move on because it might just rub off on you and ultimately ruin your day. Be kind to yourself too, don’t rush yourself and let yourself be angry or too happy without feeling bad about it or expecting things to go bad.

So be kind for no reason and expect nothing in return and in some cases, being kind to someone actually makes you feel good inside. Next time you step out into a crowd, be observant of people’s behavior and remember that we are all just trying to keep it together.

That’s it for now,