Yesterday, I read a Gem of a micro-blog post by @tonysandiego, torum.com.
In spite of it's diminutive size (~ 4 1/2 paragraphs . <200 words), the post still manages to pack a whole lot of wisdom.
You can find it at this URL: https://www.torum.com/post/6146af6b7dd3b139b6392302
Kudos to @tonysandiego.
His wonderful little post inspired me to write this reply:
To @tonysandiego and anyone else interested,
While dealing with a migraine and insomnia, I located my reading glasses, put them on and "willed" my bloodshot eyes to start reading your post.
Within seconds, instead of focusing on my discomfort, I was LMFAO over what most people consider a very serious matter; specifically, the widespread poverty in Brazil.
Don't get me wrong. In no way was I making fun of being poor. I know it's no joke and causes much misery around the world.
TBH, I was laughing at myself.
Why?
Because I vividly remember those times when my OCD-ridden self refused to let me walk away from those damn First Grade Level Captchas.
I must confess, doing all those mind numbing and ultimately worthless activities became an addiction for me.
Things got so bad that I eventually had to go "Cold Turkey".
I was literally spending my whole day trying to get as many of those micro-rewards as possible; only to find out that I made a whopping 6 cents for the day.
At the same time, almost all the "required minimum balance for withdrawals" were being raised every two or three days.
Reaching that required minimum balance for withdrawal became a moving target that nobody but a Cryptonian could hit.
Then came a rash of Crypto Faucets going bust, owners vanishing and all past earnings and rewards for users became vaporware.
Eventually, the siren calls from those damn Crypto Faucets stopped tormenting my waking hours.
I was finally “free”.
But similar to all addictions, you are never quite the same - no matter how long you've been "clean".
[Behind the podium, I lookout upon the "Human Sea of Commiseration". And with a shaky, solemn voice I begin...]
“Hello. My name is JaiChai and I am a "Crypto Fauce- A - Holic.”
[Immediately and in unison, the whole audience roars back their reply...]
“Hellooooo JaiChai!”
Eerily, for the next few awkward moments, the only sound heard in the auditorium is the dissipating echoes of “Hello Jaichai, JaiChai, jaiChai, jaichai…"
OK. Back on topic: @tonysandiego's evocative post .
At the end of the post, I read the beautiful lyrics from the song "Humble and Kind", written by Lori McKenna and first released by Tim McGraw.
My mood quickly downshifted from being light-hearted to being deeply reflective.
That tiny, mischievous red devil normally perched on my left shoulder had disappeared.
And now a brightly shining cherub was squarely standing on my right shoulder.
Leaning towards my ear, the glowing young angel whispered, "Read those powerful lyrics again. It speaks of kindness, empathy, gratitude and hope. And the sheer magnitude of beautiful, loving things they inspire all of us to do can make even a cynical stoic old man like you shed a tear - or two.”
Damned if he wasn't right!
No amount of dry gulps or forced frowns could prevent a tear from coming out of my left eye. It trickled down my cheek, temporarily pooled behind my nostril, then carved a path over my chin and down my neck.
Holy sh*t!
This was supposed to be a short, quick comment!
Shakespeare once wrote in "Hamlet", "Brevity is the Soul of Wit."
Judging by the length of this exposition, it's obvious that I don't suffer from that affliction. Lol!
@tonysandiego, I thoroughly enjoyed your post. (Emotional roller coaster and all…)
May you and yours be well and love life today.
In Lak’ech, JaiChai
(JaiChai 20 SEP 2021. Simultaneous multi-site submissions posted. All rights reserved.)