Dear readers, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted a blog, but believe me, I’ve never stopped writing something, anyway that I’ve set my mind to. The following blogs will be my “Mori Emotion Notebook Project”. Mori is a extraordinary individual that I’ve had the chance to meet awhile back, and she has given me much guidance and mentorship, to express my gratitude, I decided to repay her by writing her a series of letters in the form of a physical notebook. I transferred all of the words from the notebook into typed words so that I may share this with FEA and my readers. It was liking writing the blog three times, because of all editing in between, and due to my laziness in keeping my thoughts organized on actual paper. The main reason why I’m sharing this gift, is because I believe it contains genuine advice from my heart, so it’s not only for Mori and I, but also for everyone who wants to read these words. Mostly, I’m just proud that I managed to complete this essay in the first place, it took quite awhile!
Mori Emotion Notebook
7/22/2018
Dear Mori,
Hey there! How are you doing? I hope all is well, all the time! This notebook is my last gift to you. Whenever you get this novel from me, I will have less than a week left in Taiwan. In this notebook I will write you 14 letters, and each letter will contain a topic, and the topic for this notebook is “emotion”. A feeling, sensation, or a sway of the heart; it’s important to you, me, and everyone in this world. At this point, you’re wondering, “Wow, what”? Essentially, every letter will contain a different “emotion”, and in your life, whenever you encounter a certain emotion, you can turn to the letter and give it a read. For example, whenever you encounter kindness, you can read my letter about that emotion. I’ll write down my thoughts, advices, and philosophy.
I’ve chosen seven negative emotions, and seven positive emotions. My logic is because there are 365 days in a year (so you can read it all year long), and 3+6+5=14, hence why I choose 14.
I choose these emotions simply because subjectively, I believe that they’re the most important. In a way, these emotions (and so much more) defines our everyday life, they make us human!
(At the advice of Robin) I decided to add a little more into the intro:
The negative emotions are: Fear, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, Shame, Pity, and Envy.
The positive emotions are: Love, Kindness, Friendship, Trust, Joy, Anticipation, and Gratitude.
I’ll date the days I write them, and I’ll write one negative emotion, one positive emotion, rinse and repeat. I hope that you’ll like this gift, thank you for everything and all the teachings. Truly.
This document is indeed shorter than the actual notebook, I shortened it due to three main reasons: redundancy, grammatical catastrophe, and just some portions made no logical sense. My words may not impact you in a significant way, or even perhaps change your perspectives, and that’s okay. I’m not someone famous like Steve jobs, and I haven’t lived that long either. My words may be contradictory to your outlooks, I won’t coerce you to accept my words, all I ask is that you don’t reject them. I don’t want to give you lofty advice like “take life by the reins”, I want to give you advice like, “Take your time, but don’t waste your time. There’s a difference”. I digress, I want to thank Joelle, Nakeshia, Tyler, Jack, Samara, Thomas, Edina, Ling Laoshi, Kelly, Tipton, Robin and everything else that contributed to the creation of this notebook, I love them all very much, and often, I questioned at times if this ambition seemed silly, dramatic, or even unnecessary; however, due to my friend’s support, I have finally completed this document.
7/24/2018 The First Emotion: Anticipation
Anticipation, “a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen soon.”
When you’re reading this portion of the notebook, you’re probably feeling a sense of excitement towards the future or you’re reading it because it’s the first chapter. Regardless of which, I’m happy either way! Whether if it’d be a meeting, class, or seeing family, I think that the feeling of anticipation is wonderful. There are many things in life to live for, and all those things makes life worth living. The feeling isn’t just excitement, anticipation can be waiting, a feeling of patience, and hoping for something. I think the important part is having something to look forward to, that quality is important. The words patience and proactiveness, I think they go well together.
Patience, “the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties.”
Whenever you feel anticipation, you need to consider being patience too. Whenever I’ve felt this emotion, I ask myself, “is it worth waiting for”? If it is, then maybe it’s okay to keep waiting, and if you really want “this”, then you should be proactive, “Creating or controlling a situation rather than waiting for it to happen.” It means going after what you want; without a moment of hesitation. In, “The Alchemist”, Santiago wanted to chase his dreams no matter what; regardless of outer influences, nothing ever stopped him. Whenever you want something, go for it! If you feel like patience is the answer, then maybe that is the answer. The hardest part is knowing when to be patience and when to be proactive; however, that is entirely up to you. Have faith in yourself, don’t be self-conscious, and believe in yourself! Time certainly waits for no one, so go out into the world, and grasp those opportunities! The sun’s shining bright for you.
7/25/2018 The Second Emotion: Disgust
Disgust, “a strong feeling of disapproval and dislike at a situation, person’s behavior, etc.”
Whenever you are reading this portion of the notebook, you are probably feeling a sense of dislike towards something from your recent past. When you are feeling this emotion, do your best to not let it bother you. The best advice for this kind of situation is to avoid confrontation as much as possible. If it’s very minor, then the thing that bothers you won’t exist for too long; but if it’s aversion, then I’d suggest pushing it out of your life. I hope that no one will ever give you this certain emotion, but sometimes it may be unavoidable. Try to avoid the people who treats you badly, ignore their criticism and rude comments. However; never block people out of your life, that’s never a smart decision. I think in a way, disgust means a stronger form of disappoint.
Aversion, “A strong disinclination”.
I’m certain that you will feel this emotion someday, and maybe while you’re in Japan you will encounter this feeling, but don’t it get to you, a life without worry is a life well-lived, but as most things, it’s unavoidable, like the article we read about “pain”, that there is no life without its rocks, or thorns. Strive to be happy and don’t let the negative emotions get to you. This world is a rainbow of colors, and for the most part, you get to decide which it is. I’ll say this, “life is bitter, so while you’re living it, why don’t you drink some sweet coffee instead?” Personally, I like tea.
Tyler: “Imagine if someone else felt disgust or disappointment about you, I think, you should try to not have that emotion in your heart, because it could change your perspective of others.”