death despair darkness

"Death is a stripping away of all that is not you. The secret of life is to 'die before you die' & find that there is no death." 

- Eckhart Tolle 

To remain in life is to go around death.

To die is to exhaust all potential.

a wish, a prayer

I pray that all my friends and acquaintances get through the battles they don't tell me about. 

I should know, of all people, because I myself don't share all my problems with friends or family, I prefer keeping things locked up inside. That is, in part, my inherent nature, and it's also because of how I've been conditioned as a child, as a young person. 

However, I sincerely wish to tell all my friends: It's absolutely okay with me when you decide to open your heart to me, even if it is to make me feel that your battles are bigger than mine - no competition there, you see. 

Simply lending a patient ear is also a part of being a friend. Whether or not the other person considers me to be their friend, I must remain non-judgmental of them when they share their woes. It can sometimes be too late for us to realize that we could have done things differently when we had attempted to reach out to our friends in distress. Even when we have an instant urge to reach out, we may stumble upon actual or perceived blocks and our moment's hesitation can cost us much. Clear all such blockages; it's tough, but, good luck to you.

May you all find a way to bear your burdens. May you find clarity in catastrophe, in the chaos that prevails. 

I wish and I pray for all the happiness of this world for my family and friends - in this new year, and beyond.