If life had a traffic light, its colors would be arranged respectively as
yellow, green and red. Ready, go and die. The trip began with you when you were
a baby, when you conquered the back seat. What you were doing unconsciously, was
observing the world through the window. You didn't care if dad had an argument
with another driver, cause they were about to crash into each other. You didn't
know that mom was annoyed because the car was running out of air, like what did
air even mean back then? Sometimes, you didn't know what the final destination
was, but you stopped nagging, because pictures were running so fast outside
that window, and the colors stole you and trapped you in its hypnosis, that you
didn't care anymore for where you were going.
When school kidnapped you afterwards, the bus ride became an enjoyable
time for imagination, or more precisely expectations. It was filled up with what-ifs
actually. What if I went back home and found grandma was there to surprise me
with her sweets and cakes? What if my teacher praised my work and everyone
wanted to be my friend? What if the friend I want to have, is wishing the same
too? What if I am the cleverest? What if… what if… what if?!
All that time, you didn't feel the jam. You enjoyed it. That's really
what our youth has always been about. We enjoyed the ride. When we stepped into
our oh-it-is-getting-serious phase, the now-or-never period, the I-want-secured-future
obsession; that was the only time we stopped enjoying the ride and we became
the driver.
You think being the driver means everything is under your control, but
what's the traffic light for? There will always be a traffic light, stopping
you to let another pass, you would scream "why? I want to reach that opportunity
before another does! Did he work as hard as I did? Why would he reach it before
I do, although I had a shortcut? Why did you make me see someone stealing my
dream right in front of me? Isn't this cruel?!" Then it turns yellow, and
you never notice, cause you're still cursing the "bad luck" you own.
Then it's green, everybody is putting all their weight on the horns, to make it
as loud as possible for you to snap out of the drama and go on; cause they also
want to reach another certain place in that world. They are no enemies, but
they are like you. They have a dream which isn't stolen. Maybe not yet. Some
get so furious that they push your car forcibly, and angry you, will get out of
the car, scream and shout "why there is no mercy? Why everybody is pushing
me to the edge of the earth? I didn't need this additional trauma, man!"
And here you go, you miss another green light, and it's red once again.
A stop station. Again. The scene of running cars crosses your vision, and all
regrets rush through your heart. You think it over and determine to get ready
once it's yellow and go at full speed when it's green. Here you go! You're
doing it! There when you have reached your target, you knew that the person you
hated witnessing him crossing roads before you do, didn't win the opportunity.
It was designed just for you. Cheerfully and gratefully, you get back to the
road, and instead weeping over who stepped before you did, you guide another to
a shortcut, where you started the road. You help and inspire hundreds. Some
will remember you for your tricks, some will forget you, but they will teach a
future generation your tricks. The process is continuous and the copyrights aren't
necessary to keep.
Your name isn't important to be remembered. The roads won't always be
overcrowded: some sleep when others are awake and vice versa. At the moment,
it's red, ordering you to stop while you're rich in temporary enthusiasm and
energy. Accept it. It's fate. Have it as a break. What's wrong with it if you
just adjusted the plans? It's not the end of the road. One of these red lights
would be your end though. Embedding a full stop to your wishes and dreams, which
is not bad. Another will start from your ending point, not because he's better,
luckier and his life is easier, but because it's a life cycle represented in
complete circle, not interrupted one. But for now, remember that red lights will flash in your face a lot. It means you have to stop, right here, right now. Meanwhile you can look over the neighboring strangers and help. It's better to help than to let your inner darkness bring heavy blocking clouds to the globe. It goes red, yellow, green in your day. It goes yellow, green and deadly red in life overall.
