Laugh and Love

I wrote this short piece during an overnight train ride to Shanghai. It came from my thoughts as I read “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. The story led me to reflect a bit on my own values, and this is where I ended up. Hopefully, you can bear with me, as I’m not usually too emotionally invested in my writings here, and therefore, am not sure if I really conveyed a message. Anyways, enjoy!

Often times I am left staring into memories and questions. I tell myself to hold no regrets for the past, and promise never to give in to any hardships. Between the daydreams of romance and friendship, there are layers of wanting to help the poor and taking up a hobby of photography. They lead me to wonder about my life in it s entirety. Am I unaware of some deeper passion? How do I turn a dream into reality? How far do my actions echo? More importantly, I wonder not of my own self, but of myself in relation to others. How do I show her that I truly care? How can I change this ragged man’s vagabond life? How can I be a better person? Have I been a good person?

But someone once told me that I think too much. And I realized life is much more than just memories and questions. It’s even more than just turning dreams into realities. Life is much more because it is much simpler. No, rather, life is much more because it transcends simplicity. Life is hidden in plain sight and stares right through past regrets and forthcoming adversities. And while I have yet to find it, I have learned where to look. Underneath the romances and friendships, I have found an answer that may take a lifetime to realize. But before I am gone, I promise, I will have lived to laugh, and to love.

-Jacky Cheng
July 12, 2010