When Help is Just a Whisper

There is a point in every human being’s life when there is a symphony of voices, screaming against the very pillars of one’s well-being and happiness. The voices, however kind, oppose every fear, looking for ways in which to make sense of the world and provide it with meaning. When you summon your courage and speak your fears and concerns, they close in on you, attempting to offer meaningful assistance.
As one transitions from high school, the pressure intensifies. People become preoccupied with your academic trajectory, not merely to understand your mindset but to navigate the treacherous waters of life. They often extend their hands in support, driven by the hope of gaining something in return—whether in the present or the distant future.
Consider the example of a friend who enlisted in the military upon graduation. Faced with the daunting question of what to do next, he believed he could get the assistance he required. He said yes, trusting that help would soon arrive. But when the moment arrived when that guaranteed aid materialized, he was met with silence. “I’m sorry, I cannot talk about it,” was the response, to let him fight his own fights on his own. Far from being deterred by the odds, he went on, resolved to make it for himself, even while fighting the uphill task of leading his son through the way of life in the army.
And then there is the moving account of one old man who led a celibate life. When inquired why he did not marry, this wise man replied: “People are so quick to worry about your marriage, but they don’t care when the burdens of life’s troubles heavily fall on you in that marriage.”
These stories say to us a hard truth: while many people will be interested in your advancement, few are interested in working through life’s further, more intimate concerns. We are at last alone to discover our own path, solo figures amid the clamor of voices that surround us.