Ask for salt

Dear Future Me,

Life has been swell. There are only 8 days left till my liberation. I feel happiness.... but there is a tinge of longing and sadness as well. The full brunt of feelings has not hit me yet; we will cross that bridge when the time is right. As for now, I must speak of another matter that has crossed my mind. (I am writing this from Notion - so far it appears to be a very organized and productivity boosting) Thus, I can crank out more passages and only post only what I deem fit.

Future Me, I have come to learn that it is possible to be too strong. After reading this parable, I have experienced a paradigm shift.

“I heard my mother asking our neighbor for some salt. I asked her why she was asking them as we had salt at home. She replied: 'It's because they're always asking us for things; they're poor. So I thought I'd ask something small from them so as not to burden them but at the same time make them feel as if we need them too.'”

Wow... truly beautiful and heart warming. We need to ask for salt more because, too often, we try to strut our strength and independence. I mean... of course we try to be strong to carry those around us, but when we don’t ask for salt, people will only feel like a burden. No matter how strong you are... no matter how many souls you can save.. they will not accept help if they feel like a hindrance.

I have never realized this till now, but I’ve seen this so often - parents, brothers, relatives, friends. I am guilty of this too. It’s so mind-opening to me because NOW I SEE WHY people refuse aid even when they need it. I see why a son would refuse the care offered from his loving parents... not out of arrogance, but it is because he feels he cannot return the favor. Yet, he is unaware of how much they truly need him. I see why a sister would not seek the guidance and wisdom from her brothers; not out of vain... but it is because she feels like a burden. She doesn’t know it, but they need her too. Yes I know, we are strong enough and generous enough to aid our loved ones unconditionally, but sometimes you just gotta ask for the salt :)