This I Believe: Self-Expression
I wrote this essay at least six times already. Each time, I had
disjointed thoughts and I wasn't able to find the right words to get my
thoughts out the right way. It's frustrating being unable to express
what's on my mind and I believe everyone would have an easier time
communicating if everyday communication wasn't limited to words alone. As
is, it's not abnormal to see people make gestures while they talk and
their body language speaks volumes. Imagine if people took interpretive
dance to the next level and just let their bodies do the talking where
words fail them. Imagine if people carried around sketchbooks and drew
their thoughts out, giving shape and colors to feelings. And of course,
sculptors, musicians, photographers, actors, and so on shouldn't be left
out of the mix. The most amazing pieces of art are the ones that can
convey the artists' ideas without too much explanation.
Now, words aren't bad. Not at all. Language is what separates man from
beast and there are people who can only use words to express themselves.
I'm just saying that there are a lot of ideas that are trapped in our
minds and it's disheartening to not be able to give form to those ideas.
After all, people are graded on results, not potential. It's discouraging
for a foreigner to be written off as unintelligent the moment they can't
speak the same language as their listeners. The same could be said to
those with psychological disorders, since matters of the mind are often
intangible and hard to describe effectively. If anything, aside from
inventing new ways to communicating, I believe the world should be more
empathetic to people who are expressing themselves with whatever is
available. It's a skill to be able to speak your mind and like any other
skill, it takes practice to communicate effectively.
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