If you could erase one trend from history, what would it be?
You know, if I were ever in charge of this thing called “trend,” I would erase all them, including the word itself.
Really, things aren’t “every now and then” anymore. They are every second, everywhere.
It feels as if people are using copy and paste technique without pausing to think, to question, or even to say no.
And for God’s sake, what is a trend?
It is mostly about someone known as an influencer or a celebrity, whatever label with millions watching, who wears something, buys something, says something, listens to something, eats something, or whatever they offer. And people swallow everything without testing, tasting, or even digesting, then recommend that madness to others. And others follow, running breathless after this and that and those. But then, time slips by unnoticed, unappreciated, and unvalued.
Wouldn’t it be calmer if there were a law to slow down these overflowing trends, perhaps by limiting what can be shared or saved?
If that happened, trends would be fewer, the copycats fewer, and our brains might finally relax, breathe again, and perhaps work more efficiently.
What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?
Today, happiness has different standards.
Have you heard this common comment lately?
Honestly, I don’t know what to say, or whether it’s said out of blindness, selfishness, or what else.
But… look around these days and you will see how happiness has become so sensual, so material, so selfish, and so fake.
It turns into a big, fancy castle built from lies and pretences; a place some people spend their whole lives building. They live inside it, seeking protection, until it collapses over their heads. And then, they spend the rest of their lives buried under misery, regret, and loss.
Unfortunately, in most cases, social media plays the main role in shaping this messy version of happiness. It makes things worse by planting fake seeds of fake happiness. It keeps pushing those crème “elites” to the front, above everything and everyone else. Those with shiny smiles, dazzling fame, great power, and unlimited cash have been presented as the idols of absolute happiness.
And you gape, you make a wish, and you follow suit.
The blind leading the blind, heading nowhere.
The selfish ego swells and swells until it bursts.
And one day, you wake up; your head heavy and buzzing. You hold your head in your hands, wanting nothing but comfort and relief. Then suddenly, you glace at a short note nearby. Your blurry eyes clear as you begin to read:
‘You’ve never been happy, yet you can be. Happiness is neither loud nor glamorous. And, it never comes different standards.’ The note was signed: true happiness.
So… will you agree when others say today’s happiness has different standards?
As for me, I still believe that… happiness can be as simple as a bird’s nest, as pure as snowflakes, and as genuine as a mother’s prayer.
Do you think humans will ever colonize Mars? What would life there actually look like?
Can you guess what’s the first thing that crossed my mind as I read this prompt about life on Mars?
It wasn’t the possibility of new life.
Not the chance of finding inhabitants living there.
And not even the idea of humans starting wars to invade and occupy the planet.
But of course that would still be occupation, as if humans don’t already have enough to deal with on our dear planet Earth.
Now… what actually popped into my head was the image of one of those social media stars embarking on a new adventure to Mars.
He or she would prattle nonstop about their nearly two way spaceship trip to Mars.
They would put on this spaceman costume.
Smile at the live camera,
maybe even record a prayer or two for safety.
Then, before disappearing into the spaceship, they would promise live vlogs from Mars.
Is there internet on Mars? The thought cut right into my imagination.
But really, if there is internet on Mars, some friends over there might have already heard of us, and they maybe… try to get in touch through WordPress.
Anyway, let’s see how this superstar vlogger’s trip ended.
After one whole month off social media, they land safely on our precious Earth.
Spaceman costume on, camera in hand, broad smile on face, and with a shaky emotional voice, they began their first live vlog.
“Can’t express my real emotions.
Such scary but marvellous trip.
Can’t believe it
Am I dreaming?”
And the tap of comments, likes, and shares explodes; wows, nos, and oh my God, racing one after another.
“Sorry guys, just landed, and I lost my phone.” The superstar seems in a rush.
“Thieves on Mars,” one follower comments.
“I’ll tell you everything. You know honesty is my motto in life.
Wait for the next vlogs.
I will share more about my adventure on the moon.”
“Wasn’t it Mars?” Another follower comments.
“Oh, my head is upside down,” the famous vlogger replies and vanishes.
“That’s all fake,” someone comments
“Yes, all fake,” a thousand comments follow.
Nowadays… fake is more popular than reality, but it’s easily spotted.
I don’t know whether there’s life on Mars, or whether life is even possible there.
What I do know is why some people set their eyes on what they don’t own.
Why some abandon what they already have for something they can barely reach.
And why people want to build a new home instead of fixing the one they have.
Apparently, if Mars ever heard of human plans, he would shake with laughter, wondering how his neighbour’s intruders from Earth expect to survive his freezing cold deserts.
Pure and Simple 