The world is at war. News channels are rife with reports of attacks happening around the region.
There are sounds and social media chatter, and a lot of AI-generated videos, adding to the tensions.
As an adult, you are expected to take it all in your stride. Oh, there is a war-like situation outside our homes? Okay... but we still have our jobs, right? Is there food in the supermarkets? Access to our money in our accounts?
Yes, each country in this modern era is capable of defending themselves, and there have been plenty of pacts and agreements between countries that ensure assistance. We believe in our country's armed forces and their capabilities.
But deep inside, have we become apathetic to the world events around us? Or purely selfish?
Yes, an airport was attacked. Does that mean I can't go on our planned vacation? If the airspace is closed, will I be eligible for a refund?
If food prices are going up, let me make sure I need to stock up my house. Do I really need to care if someone else doesn't even get a bag of rice at their home?
It's almost as if the minute we turn into adults, the world holds less meaning for us.
We are not awed by butterflies and rainbows or starry nights. We are more interested in modern convenience and technology that was built to connect us but have only been successful in isolating us.
We care more about the opinions of strangers online than forming our own. Or we draft statements based on its potential of garnering likes and views.
Everything becomes about validation. Most importantly, we are taught that being an adult means "sucking it up."
Had a bad day. Don't cry in front of anyone. Carry in with your work. Be productive every second of your life. If you're not earning money, then you must be contributing to housework or the community or something.
Rest is seen as wastage, and taking time out to grieve instantly puts you in the category of "weak" people.
If you aren't earning a survivable income, you are weak.
If you get hurt and make a fuss, you're weak.
If someone betrayed you or stole from you, guess what, you're failing as an adult. You're too trusting, and that is a weakness.
Is the regional conflict making you anxious? Too bad, you don't get a few minutes to clear your mind or find comfort. You're not allowed to be scared. Kids are allowed to be, though, and there are counselors in place for them. You're an adult. You're not allowed to be scared or seek counseling for yourself. Are you a kid?
So...what is the point of being an adult if you are forbidden from showing emotions?
As adults, we already absorb responsibilities without realizing it, and one of the core ones is to be strong for the people around you.
Showing strength even when you don't feel like it is supposed to make others feel better. It encourages them to face their fears, too.
Adulting seems to be more about faking it than about being given the freedom to emote.
We are not allowed to show fear, sorrow, or anxiety just so that the younger generation can take inspiration from us and learn to be brave.
Unless, of course, we are sending the wrong message and continuing the cycle of suppressing emotions until it turns into a hot ball of anxiety that eventually consumes our health.
Can we adults normalize emotions, or must we continue to roam around this world as robots until we malfunction one day due to an overload of emotions?
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