I killed myself
Little did I know I’ve been smothering myself with the thought of being so great all the time. Everything needed to be perfect. No flaws, no mistakes, no imperfections. It was indeed an exciting life, dancing away on top of the lists, that I had forgotten to “live.” Tired and miserable, I killed myself.
I had to do it. I had to shed my skin—where I had been dwelling all that time I was relentlessly serving prestige and honor. I never realized I was living a life of closed doors and shut windows and, deep inside, profound and empty spaces. Living for me was like nothing but breathing for glory. I forgot about happiness, about love, and even about what and who I care for.
Now that my past self is dead, here I am fearlessly facing the life I once ignored. I’m looking forward to a happy life—not thinking of anything but the joy and wonder of being free. I have realized that everyone should be like this. Everyone, no matter his/her age or preference, needs to live like he/she is dying. Every waking hour is just as precious as sleep. Every smile is just as important as every breath.
That’s life. You don’t get too much of it, so don’t dare waste any moment. This fast-paced generation has robbed us of such a precious gift: time. That cliché is just what I need to tell you how priceless it is. Time is gold. If you are to live life to its fullest, you will definitely need that. Other people have died without even living because they were too afraid to demand time. Dying miserably without contentment.
Dying with so much regret for not fighting for time.
So as early as now, I am here to challenge you. Are you ready to kill yourself? Not literally, of course, but the same way I did it. Take it off—each obstacle in your way. You have all your life to grab the glitz and glam, the glory and fame. But just for a moment, take this opportunity and LIVE.
John Michael Enriquez, 18, is a third-year information technology student at Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
