"Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their life is a mimicry, their passions a quotation." -Oscar Wilde
Well, I guess it's time to meet the gal behind the screen. My names Jacqueline. I'm a big nature gal, self-proclaimed passport stamp collector, and an enthusiast of good food in good company. I'm usually daydreaming about travel or choreographing car karaoke concerts on my way to class.
About three months ago, I returned to the states after a year-long culture exchange in Finland. This little, underrated Nordic country stole my heart, leaving me with more perspective and empathy than I ever thought possible. In fact, I learned first-hand what I believe to be one of the most important observations of life:
We are all, more or less, the same. We yearn for the same essential desires; a sense of belonging, security, comfort, happiness, and love. We are all looking for something to fight for, regardless of our demographic.
So, please, remember this! Travel, Read, Learn. We are only enriched by experiences, and let's be honest, life is too short to do it all ourselves. Live through other places, live through the people, live through stories you read in books, live through tales of love you hear on the bus, tales of tragedy you hear on the news, tales of innovation and insight, live through me, live through your friends, through your parents! Take people's stories as your own! Not in a way that makes you seem fake, but in a way that opens your heart to be altruistic. One that allows you to empathize with these situations that you (personally) have never lived. Everyone you meet knows something you don't.
Chase after those with powers and traits you wish to adopt. I'm sure you all know that person that lights up the room as soon as they walk in. Be them! Never love for reciprocation, but rather from an intention of genuine interest. People often ask,"Why should I cross oceans for people who barely jump puddles for me?" And to you I say, keep swimming! Love when you have love to give, feel everything 100 percent. Be easily inspired and I promise others will follow. Technology is constantly changing and adapting, and straining to keep up proves useless in the modern day. So what is the alternative? Stick close to the traits that will retain your emotional intelligence. Empathy, curiosity, general regard for humankind's well-being; these are all things that set humans apart from every other thing on this earth.
Tell me about the things that you love. Speak from your heart and people will always listen.