EXO is a group whose impact goes far beyond their musical ability, has been a source of inspiration and companionship during both my brightest days and darkest nights. The melodies they've written, the dazzling performances they've delivered, and the glimpses of their genuine selves they've shared have crafted an unbreakable connection between us. This connection is a symphony of emotions, weaving together a tapestry of memories, hopes, and dreams.
EXO are remarkable individuals, who've been a source of solace and happiness in my life, they deserve to find contentment and serenity in their life. As an EXO-L for over a decade, there's nothing I desire more than witnessing the genuine happiness on the faces of my cherished idols. My unwavering support is a pledge I've made, etching it deep into my heart – I am, and will always be, their supporter, wholeheartedly committed to their happiness.
Knowing that Jongdae have found someone to share his life with, someone who brings him happiness and support, fills my heart with warmth. As an EXO-L since my youth, I am thrilled to have been able to witness this new chapter in their life. It's a reminder that we're all moving forward in our own unique ways. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Jongdae, it's not merely a gesture, but a sincere expression of my admiration and support. I wish for him all the beautiful things life has to offer – the kind of success that fills his heart with pride, the bliss that springs from the simple pleasures of life, and the serenity that comes from knowing he's living his best life.
As an EXO-L, I am but a single star in a constellation of fans who share this adoration, and together, may we illuminate the path toward a future where our idols find boundless happiness. May our unwavering support also become a source of strength for them. I am here to stay, cheering for their happiness, no matter where life's journey takes them. Above all, may this be a reminder that they are human, just like us, with dreams, desires, and the right to find their own happiness.
A lovely piece of art from Frevilisk, my favourite warframe fan artist. She drew this when we did a special fundraiser for the bushfires we had in Australia a few years back, and our koalas needed a little help. Everyone needs a little help now and then, today it might be you, tomorrow it might be someone you know. We are all fighting battles that most people will never see, when it's you in that firing line, remember you are not alone, we are all in this together.
In our walks of life, a profound question often bubbles up, shaking our innate sense of knowing. "Who am I to judge another when I myself walk imperfectly?" This question is not just a philosophical inquiry, but a whisper of humility, a humbling echo of our shared humanity that compels us to reassess our perspectives.
In the divine wisdom of the Torah, we learn, "Do not judge your fellow until you have stood in his place." (Pirkei Avot 2:4) The surface meaning of this teaching appears quite straightforward. Let’s try to inpack it a bit, though.
What does it mean to 'stand in his place'? Is it possible to fully grasp the countless complexities that shape another person's life—their joys and their trials, their dreams and their fears, their strengths and their weaknesses?
We can never wholly perceive the intricate matrix of experiences that constitute another's life. Yet, this should not engender a sense of hopelessness, but rather a profound reverence for the unfathomable depth of each person's existence. This is an invitation to embrace empathy, to open our hearts to the understanding that every soul carries a unique story written in the divine language of life's trials and triumphs.
Now, let's turn our gaze inward. "I myself walk imperfectly." Our own imperfections can feel like burdens, like shadows that chase us on our journey. Yet, the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, taught us that our perceived imperfections are, in fact, divine sparks concealed in the materiality of our existence. These sparks are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones on our path to growth, self-discovery, and ultimately, to our Creator.
Thus, our own imperfections remind us of our shared human condition - an existence marked by growth, struggle, triumph, and learning. The Torah doesn't demand perfection from us, but growth. When we see our own imperfections not as flaws but as opportunities for growth, we develop a compassionate lens towards others' imperfections as well.
Judgment, then, transforms from a weapon to a tool - not to belittle or shame, but to empathize and understand, to connect and uplift. Judgment can become a bridge connecting our souls, a conduit for love and understanding in the tapestry of our shared humanity.
So, I leave you with this thought today: In the theater of life, we are all actors, each playing our unique roles, wrestling with our scripts, often improvising, making mistakes, and learning. When we shift from being critics in the audience to fellow actors on the stage, we trade judgment for empathy, isolation for connection, and self-righteousness for humility.
So, as we step into the new week, let's strive to replace judgment with understanding, compassion, and respect for our shared, beautiful, imperfect journey.
Shavua Tov. May it be a week of empathy, connection, and shared growth.
Sometimes a group of dorky lovely boys is everything you need to feel at peace, to feel grounded. Sometimes an album and beautiful songs is all you wanted to feel happy, even if it's the only source of little content happiness you currently have. Sometimes you look at them and want to cry out of happiness and because you just missed them that much, you missed your safe space while everything else can feel so overwhelming at times. And that's alright, you're allowed to feel like this. You're allowed to have your happiness and enjoy it as much as you want, no matter what it is.