I Quit.

Yes. You read that right.


I   Q U I T.


I quit being excessively normal, because weird is more fun. I quit grumbling and complaining, because I'd rather spend that time appreciating what I have. I quit being lazy, because life is too short to waste on the extra "two minutes" of sleep everyday. I quit being a laid-back and unproductive, because being proactive makes me more content. I quit being conscious and not extremely confident; a little self-love is all I need. I quit being ignorant, because it is no longer a bliss. I quit being not passionate about the things I love. I quit not being thankful enough for what I have. I quit being inconsistent, because it's dreadful picking myself up over and over again when I can always do better. I quit being dull, boring and pessimistic, because hey, I'm not that bad! I quit being silent; I love to be heard and awed too! I quit being stiff, serious and uptight; there's always time for that. I quit being withdrawn and well behind my wall, for I hate that I'm too much of a mystery, even for the people I love. And I quit being a disappointment to the ones dear to me. I quit being awkward when complimented; ahh! it's just awkward. I quit holding back on my thoughts, ideas, and desires; the devil may care about whoever judges me. I quit conforming to too many social norms, because I am unique in my own way. I quit running away from problems; it's more difficult to manage the many repercussions. I quit seeing things the way they appear to be, in that there are always layers to anything. I quit being comfortable where I am, now that I know there's so much out there to explore and learn. I quit feeling weak, lost or vulnerable, because I am stronger than I what I allow others to see. I quit overthinking, assuming, or being indecisive because it's just plain annoying. I quit being a person of just words and I quit giving up easily when I am highly capable of doing more than expected. I quit being okay with things I am not. I quit believing that I'm a loner. I quit feel restrained by a person, place or time. I quit being cluttered by toxic relationships, useless thoughts, or bad habits that only weigh me down. I quit being a procrastinator because tomorrow is never better than now, and I quit being not punctual. I quit being extremely rational, excessively conventional, or just too plain and predictable. I quit carrying around way too much guilt and resentment. I quit being hesitant anywhere, anytime, anyplace; if I can't be bold and beautiful now, then when?

Today, as curtains come down on year 2017, I choose to quit being anything and everything that prevents or bogs me down from being a better person. I choose to make a difference to my life, and if possible to inspire at least one person around me, even in the littlest way possible. This new year, I choose to break free of my own inhibitions and be more open to people, experiences... and to life. If at all you happen to see the old me lurking around, don't you hesitate remind her that she has no right to exist anymore.

Red.

As he turned around to take a sip of water, he saw a flash of something red. He turned around, and there she was, trying to slip out without him noticing. In four long leaps he pounced on her, pinning her to the ground. How can she even think of leaving me? Why does she always sneak out like this? Does she not like me? She tried to wriggle her way out, her favourite red sari getting crushed in the struggle. It was his favourite too.

She rolled him over and stood up, towering over him. "Stay," she commanded. Now that was something he couldn't not do. It was a command that always brought him to a freeze, no matter how hard he tried to not listen to her. Lessons ingrained when he started getting to know her.

"I will be back in 5 mins, I promise. Don't make me lock you up," she pleaded. But her 5 mins was more like 5 hours for him. Doesn't she ever understand that? Don't my despondent eyes ever convince her to never, ever leave me?

He was helpless. Heartbroken, he heard the unmistakable click as she locked the door. He rushed to the window, to catch a glimpse of her, beautiful as ever even in the slightly crushed sari. As she turned around the corner, the last bit of his favourite red disappeared, and so did any hope of her rushing back to him.

He slowly walked to his corner and plopped down on his mat. As he rested his long black muzzle on his furry brown paw, he let out a deep sigh. These hoomans. They never understand.