[ based on life lessons & self-introspection ]

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❝ Growing up is losing some illusions, in order to acquire others ❞

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        I CLOSED MY EYES to experience the location with my soul and not just by my eyes. Dipping my toes in warm sand beneath my feet.

       I could hear the waves hitting the shore. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and a little salty smell of the ocean in the air.

      I opened my eyes only to see beautiful horizon far off in the distance ─where cloudless blue sky meets deep blue sea and where dreams becomes a reality.

       The sky was crystal clear with soft shades of purples and light blues.

        I love the beach because I can walk for miles. There is nowhere else I can go for so long without crossing a man made structure, unless you count the beach-breaks. It helps to clear my head, gives an absolute peace and serenity.

       The only place where I can introspect, self-contemplate about my daily routines and personal goals, away from hustle-bustle of city and work of office desk.

       I was pondering about where "I'm going" or "where life is taking me". People would judge me as overthinker or nervous wreck. But sometimes, it is necessary for us to think about oneself and pay heed to little things happening in our life. You need to do a bit of self-introspection and organize some priorities. It gives us access to understanding ourselves. Through this, we become less likely to veer off track when difficult emotions surface.

        During the trance of my thoughts, I heard shuffling beside me. And suddenly I was greeted by a grinning face of a young boy, blond hair with slightly lean body around the age of seventeen or eighteen.

    Returning the cheerfulness of his face by a smile I greeted him good evening.

    "Good evening sir, I'm Blake Collins. if you don't mind can I sit here" the boy said with a smile.

     "Of course, you can sit and please call me James" I said with a assuring smile.

     "Thanks, I work at ice cream shop nearby and actually it is my break time. Just saw you sitting alone, thought of giving you a company"

     "I'm sure I will enjoy your company. I was waiting for the sunset, you know after such a long busy schedule- 'a beautiful scenery and some me time' is all you need"

     He nodded and voiced "Couldn't agree more sir, during my short breaks I come to beach only, watching people and children's enjoying the sight"

        After that we fell into a complete silence, both of us watching the magnificent sunset happening right in front of us.The big orange ball slowly going down and down and it sets into the horizon making the sky absolutely stunning leaving behind vivid shades of red and orange. The birds flies before the sunset bidding the sun a goodbye.The ocean slowly engulfing the sun into herself.

          The entire landscape felt like it was straight from a movie, like it was too perfect to be real.

     "I'm going to turn 18 soon sir, and I'm excited and a bit anxious too. I don't know what to do since am going to turn into an adult in fifteen days. N-Never mind-d, I should not worry about it though-h." he stuttered the last part feeling like a complete idiot.

       To say I was dumbfounded would be an understatement. The question of this young boy shaken my inner core. I never ever in my teenage years thought about it and here this child is worrying about his future ahead. This totally reflects his sincerity and maturity.

      Tugging my lips upward and patting the shoulder of the boy I said "Your question is enough to make you seem ready and mature boy. People in your age don't even give such kind of thoughts to cross their head".
Taking a deep breath I continued

    "Don't worry, I will definitely give you some of my experience and guidance"

      With that I started explaining him, that turning into an adult is like crossing a bridge. Leaving behind some illusions and focusing on what is coming ahead of you. It is a kind of stepping-stone, beginning of a beautiful road ahead.

         You can finally take your own decisions in life. Decisions that have an impact on your future life. Along with all the new freedoms and rights comes also a great deal of responsibility. A responsibility for yourself, your life and what you make of it.

         You have to accept and learn from your own mistakes , learn to appreciate little things. Eradicate the mindset of 'YOLO' because it will sometimes lead to an irrational decisions. Try to be satisfied of what you have but don't be afraid of trying something new.

       Be persistent. sometimes your knowledge and ability is not enough, be persistent and have patience.

      Believe in 'everything happens for a reason' and it will turn out good in the end not necessarily the way you expect. And don't worry about what others think of you. I concluded my speech with a smile.

    "Thanks a lot for your precious advice and I would forever be grateful of you for this" boy said taking his cue to leave.

       We hugged each other goodbye and wished luck to each other for our journeys ahead.

       The ocean had finally engulfed the sun into herself. As the white ball who rises tides become higher. Bright orange sky turns into pitch black in an hour. Marking the end of an another beautiful day.

      Talking to complete strangers were never my thing but sometimes connecting with others leaves an positive impact on us. These brief connections with strangers are not likely to turn a life of misery into one of bliss.

        However, they can change unpleasant moments- into something more pleasant.

         Likewise, meeting with this boy gave me an inspiration for my next blog─ 'Crossing Bridge'

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a/n:- just FYI i'm not good at conversing with strangers as well but sometimes it can be fruitful.

So, guys this story came into my mind when i was looking for some blogs for 18 yr old to read because i turned eighteen this year as well.

Tell me what do y'all think..?

Hope you all enjoyed my weird imagination

love, akati