Content Warnings: Anxiety
Dear stranger,
How are you? I hope your day is good. If not, that’s okay too. I went to a lovely coffee shop that sells chocolate alongside their coffee. There was a man who ran the shop at the time and, as I picked up two chocolates to buy for my father with two coffees, he asked me why I picked that brand of chocolates. I simply responded that they were the closest to the counter. He later asked me what kind of chocolate I liked. After I told him, he brought out samples and talked about their rich history. I ended up buying the one he recommended to me because I liked it so much.
I’ve never been one to share my likes and dislikes, let alone my passions. Maybe it’s because I expect people to talk behind my back, or maybe I’m just afraid of embarrassing myself. So I stay quiet, I keep my thoughts inside. I try to convince myself that it doesn’t matter what I say, people won’t listen anyway.
But, when I heard him talk about chocolates really passionately, I was genuinely inspired. Despite my love for sweets in the first place, the way he talked was really captivating. In a way, it made my feelings towards my own passion feel validated, like I was allowed to be passionate about my own beliefs and hobbies. For me, that was a really nice reminder. I’ve always done things alone. I dislike the idea of working together and sharing my ideas. It mildly discomforts me because of my trust issues towards people around me, but also in myself.
Writing and art are the most comfortable ways for me to communicate my own ideas and beliefs, since they can be perceived differently depending on the person. But talking is difficult for me in general. I trip over my words, and my own thoughts get jumbled up in front of a crowd or even just in front of one person. I forget words, my speech becomes quick and it’s almost impossible for me to communicate through speaking. I have nervous breakdowns before a presentation or even just visiting a friend’s house. But when I heard this stranger talk about his love for chocolates, it was really refreshing to see someone so willing to talk about their interests to someone who they’ve only met ten minutes ago. He apologized for rambling, but I honestly didn’t see why he had to because it was interesting.
I think a good take away from this whole situation is that it’s important to at least try to express what you love, even if it seems pointless because someone is listening and is inspired by what you say. Nothing is really pointless in the end, everything matters. That our actions have consequences, but it can be positive or negative, even both. At least for me, it’s an applicable lesson in my life. To communicate what you love and listen to those around you.
It’s a vivid world.
Stay safe
