Never show weakness

“Don’t show your weakness. People will often use it against you.” The advice seemed more like a warning.

The martial arts teacher often used his tips as life hacks.

“If you show them you care too much, there will come a time – often when you least expect it – that this empathy will become your downfall.

“You need to be strong. Grind your teeth if you must, but show no pain. Let your emotions pour out when you’re alone.

“But never show your vulnerability. More often than not people will tend to manipulate you with it.

“The only way to power through any situation is to act with your brain and not your heart.”

Paddle away

©Krista Strutz

He was searching for the opportunity to stand up on a surfboard and paddle away into the water. It was the new ‘trend’ and he was longing to try it.

A friend told him it was “like walking on water only better”.

And he was right.

Out there, your mind catches up with you.

It was Katharine Hepburn who said that “as one goes through life, one learns that if you don’t paddle your own canoe, you don’t move”. And he felt that, right then.

For if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

And that’s what we need.

Also part of Friday Fictioneers