004 | no more goodness that costs me myself

i was on a coffee date with my wife and we talked about all kinds of things, and somehow, when she said “i'm trying to become a better person” i asked “why”, “i think everyone should aim to be a better person,” she responded, and oh, how i would have agreed with that not too long ago; however, today, before even thinking, i replied with a very firm “no.”

she was surprised, and so was i, but i added: “i think everyone should aim to live a happy life.” and i felt that. i felt that so deep in my heart.

because let's be honest - 'becoming a better person' can mean anything you assume others want; like, when people say it, they mean 'i want to become a person others find acceptable.'

but when you're trying to live a happy life, ideally, that won't harm anyone else and bring you joy; and it will automatically make you a good person; a good person for yourself.

#whattheflowersknow

002 | in my goo era

did you know caterpillars basically dissolve to become a butterfly.

but a brimstone, a swallowtail, a map caterpillar - they already are a brimstone, a swallowtail, a map butterfly.

the goo inside the chrysalis is still a brimstone, a swallowtail, a map.

becoming is not pretty; it's cruel and painful and scary.

but during all this time, no matter the state, i am still me, becoming.

#poetry #fortheghostsicarry #whattheflowersknow