I walk in this world bearing two faces. One for the world to see and one hidden deep inside. The strong self walks into the world trudging in the path set forth by life.. Strong and brave, it seems to convince others and itself that it is strong enough to face the highs and lows of life.
It climbs trees and catches the wave. Defies heights and swims in the ocean. It can sit by the body of a loved one and look up and see the tears of the ones alive and choose to wait to break down. It can create a to-do plan to help segregate and dispose of the belongings of the departed. It can sit and hold a mother crying and blaming herself for the death of her daughter. It can hold and console a fragile daughter who lost the hero of her life and promise to be a new hero for her.
The strong face visits the fragile face inside regularly. It brings back words of wisdom it learned from an inspiring song or a motivating book. Relays it slowly and clearly so as to make it understand that it’s not too bad out there. The fragile self cries itself to sleep. It cries till it can’t physically get up anymore. But the strong face pats it on the shoulder and convinces it to get up.
The fragile face shivers and confines itself deep inside the mind and only allows a single visitor – the strong face. The fragile face is sensitive. The words and actions of the world outside can hurt it to an irreparable amount. The strong face chose to never let it venture out. Occasionally, it allows the messages that the fragile face wants to say to the surrounding people to be relayed out.
The fragile face is hidden from the outside, otherwise they might misconstrue it as the true face of the soul. For it is not. The fragile face does not define the person. It is a mere aftermath of tragedy and pain. It is the reminiscent memories of the past. It does not represent the true self. Do not be mistaken, my friend. Do not let the fragile self define you. Remember to build the strong face to be stronger and stronger. Make it the fragile face’s Best friend. For you are your only true friend. Your true confidante. Your true shoulder to cry on. For no one knows your pain and life more than you do. For no one has walked the path as you have. For no words can explain your pain to your loved ones and make them feel what you feel. The strong and the fragile self share the same body and can feel the pain and love that life can show you. They share the same eyes and can see the horrors and beauty of the world. They share the same ears and can hear the taunts and praises of the outside world. They bear the same heart and can feel the betrayal and affection of our loved ones. Let them witness all the gore and glory of the world together.
For I have two faces walking hand in hand sharing this life of mine and they will share this journey till the grave.
