Starting with Nothing

Two weeks into my unordinary life journey, I slid back into my old self of wanting to chase what others have that I don't. "Why can't I have this and not that? I don't want to do this anymore!" Negative thoughts started flooding my mind. I was unmotivated at work, writing (and working on this platform) and life in general. All I could think of was playing computer games, surfing the internet and social media (and sleeping when the time came to go to bed) – activities requiring the slightest effort to idle away hours and days of aimlessness. I was once again swamped with frustration and unhappiness.

‍

It was tough for me even to start writing this post.

So, what brought me back here?

Nothing.

Specifically, the thought of what if I had nothing brought me back here to write this.

What if I had nothing?

How would I feel?

I would feel grateful for every little goodness I have or find. I would savour every nice moment while I endure the hardship, hoping for a better future.

What would I not think about?

I wouldn't think about how scary it is to be alone. Companionship would be the least of my worries, as my priority would be to make ends meet.

What would I not do?

I wouldn't waste time in self-pity. I wouldn't be afraid to make mistakes. I wouldn't be afraid to lose what I don't have. There's nothing for me to lose, anyway.

What would I do?

I would make the best of every opportunity I get. I would be brave and step out of my comfort zone to do more.

‍

These thoughts brought me back to my senses and helped me put my life into perspective. (It's possible that some people might instead feel hopeless or give up in life when they have nothing. However, that might mean they have deeper underlying issues that require professional help.) With nothing, I would strive hard to improve my life circumstances. But with something now, ironically, I become unmotivated to work towards a better life.

It's a constant reminder to myself (and to you, perhaps): What would my life be like if I had nothing?