Atlas's Load
Emotions are choices
despite what we think
Confidence
is a choice
Fear
is a choice
Anger
is a choice
Happiness
is a choice
For some, the choice is easy
and they have always been able to make it
When we admire someone’s confidence
do we know how much of
a struggle
it might be for them?
When we see someone’s timidity
do we understand that they may
not yet have the strength to
rely on their courage?
When we are surprised by someone’s intensity
do we accept that it comes from
seeing the world
through a different filter?
When we are amazed by someone’s constant smile
do we wonder about
the pain
it might conceal?
Though emotion is a choice
that doesn’t mean
it isn’t influenced by our
experiences and by our
past
Don’t be shocked
when those who are hurt
choose to shelter themselves
when those who feel small and weak
don’t know how to pause and step out from under Atlas’s load
when those who have been wronged
have difficulty in finding mercy in themselves
when those who are strong
suddenly break down under burdens invisible to others