Writing

Always On The Outside Looking In

For as long as I can remember, I was always on the outside, looking in, as if I’m an observer.  Seeing life through a pane of glass, often wondering how things worked, and seeking to reveal the reasons why things are the way they are, and the way things have to be.  Often I get the feeling as if I’m a stranger, or at best a friend that nobody sees.

I am an introvert living in in an extrovert world. where introversion is often suspect.  It wasn’t until recently that I became aware of the fact that my personality type is INFJ and that what I was feeling and experiencing was completely normal.

I see the world through the eyes of a writer; one who sees the way the world truly is.  I find myself believing in some naive way that documenting the realities of life, and writing about how things could, or should be done differently, to improve upon the human condition will actually create change.  It is not unreasonable to assume that writers become depressed as they are constantly viewing the world as it exists, often making written observations and suggestions on how to improve it, while society continues on the pathway of a downward spiral.

I see the world for literally what it is, not like most other people who see things the way that suits them best; picking and choosing what they want to see, and disregarding everything else.  I see the world literally turning in on itself, and I spend the majority of my time focused on the struggles of others.  I see a world filled with chaos, anger, and upset, where people feel a need for something to cling to, and for some, religion temporarily fills the void, though at the same time, religion is often what is fueling intolerance and discontent with one another.

Lately I have started missing the old days of my youth, remembering campfires and deep connected conversation which often carried on late into the evening.  It was in these conversations in which all things were discussed for hours at a time, and in which there was a true human connection.

In the days of my younger years, we didn’t have Internet, and although cell phones existed, people rarely used them.  At that time I can honestly say that I formed very strong bonds with friends, and that any personal disagreements or hurt feelings were often mended or reconciled immediately, in person, instead of being hashed out through means of social media.

I have been looking at how much things have changed in life, specifically the ways in which technology has literally taken over our lives.  When I was younger I literally could not wait for technology to improve, or for the next time a new, faster computer system would become available.  Today as an adult, I feel as if technology has literally gone too far and has ingrained itself into every facet of our lives to the point where I long for the simple pleasures of childhood when very little, if anything, was connected electronically.

Despite practically everything in life being connected in some way, as humans and as a society in general, we are essentially distancing ourselves further away from one another.  There are some among us who are fearful of change, intolerant of difference, and threatened by progress.  I fear one day, we will realize what we are doing to ourselves and to one another, and change our behavior before it’s too late.

Colophon
The header image was created using Canva, and incorporates the font Raleway.

Asides
I Used To Be A Habitual Trespasser | I Almost Dedicated My Life To Writing | People Don’t Change the World, the World Changes People | When Is It Time To Let Go | Star Gazing | Unexpected Denouement

24 Comments

    • Prince

      Most people amoung us who are fearful of change, intolerant of difference, and threatened by progress in this pandemic period. Nicely put piece, you’ve lots of skills Thomas.

  • jolly555

    Yes, we need to see things from perspective to make a good judgement of it. Your write up is totally on point.

  • David Tjoe

    Thank you for sharing how you see this world in your life. Our perspective plays a big role in differentiating our attitude in living everyday life.

  • Mariz Tina Mispeñas

    I have been always looking outside as if that I was not here. I was questioning my self before that why do I see only things on my own. But as I grow older it is getting clearer that what we see before our eyes is the actual situation. Even though sometimes we would like to have a different outcome in our minds.

  • Oyeyipo Oladele

    This writeup was written with patience to really speak out the writer’s mind. Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece.

  • Gillian

    This article makes one reflect more about life and how to become one with all elements of life. I love it.

  • conrad pranze villas

    Experiences in our life is what makes us better in understanding our future. Being able to reminisce those things will put us in a better place. I believe that being able to read your experiences makes me wonder about your future.

  • Wilson Jake

    You been on the outside makes you see what ordinary eyes can’t see. And that’s a unique features you posses, making your work outstanding. Great piece

  • Baraka

    I also miss those old days when life was less controlled by all these technological gadgets. Conversations were with real people.

  • brainedet

    You did good sharing with everyone your perception about life and it’s effects. Despite all odds we live to see another day.

  • Roy

    I like to think of myself as an introvert trying to survive in an extroverted world. We do have that in common.

  • Louis

    Many thanks for this wonderful piece. Your style of writing has never failed to impress me. Entertaining and enlightening all at once!

  • Anderson

    I like how you point out the lack of internet and smartphones when growing up. People used to form much stronger bonds back then.

  • Meldred Judith

    Younger years experiences are really fun and worth remembering. This is the stage of growing up where it is very memorable.

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