Chapter 1: The Story of Maggie

Let me share a tale about my sister's hamster, whom we called Maggie. Three years ago, she entered our lives, and since I had never owned a pet before, I was initially apprehensive about handling her. We crafted a lovely home for her using a large container and filled it with an array of toys. During this time, my sister and I lived in a dark, chilly basement, void of sunlight and fresh air. The constant chill and noise from above were quite bothersome.

It's hard to fathom how such a tiny creature like Maggie thrived in those harsh conditions. She seemed joyful, always eating her food and energetically running on her wheel. However, one day, she suddenly stopped.

Given the basement's poor living conditions and my commitments with two jobs, I often spent several hours there each day, except on weekends. One morning, I woke up to the sound of my sister crying—Maggie was gone. In her quietness over the past few days, it seemed she had been in pain. With pets, it’s often challenging to discern their discomfort until they exhibit signs of decline.

And there she was—dead, yet at peace.

This brief glimpse into Maggie’s life reminds me that hamsters and humans share some similarities. Hamsters tirelessly run on their wheels daily until they tire, then rest briefly before resuming their frantic pace. Similarly, humans often find themselves caught in the grind of their jobs, running tirelessly for hours each day, only to return and do it all over again the next day. Despite having the capacity for reflection, many continue on this path without questioning it.

In life, it's crucial to exert ourselves during our formative years, which I refer to as the "struggling phase." We seldom consider altering our routes or methods. Some individuals remain on the same wheel until retirement, while others switch wheels repeatedly. A handful pause to reflect and then resume running, while a very small number stop altogether, relinquishing their pursuit. The rarest of all break free from their wheels entirely, exploring life in their own unique ways, unrestricted by conventional paths.

Where do you find yourself amidst these categories based on your current situation? Today’s economy cultivates a vast population of individuals who feel like hamsters running in a maze, perpetually chasing after rewards that benefit others.

Yet, what are we genuinely gaining from this relentless pursuit? By stepping off the wheel, we can reconnect with our individuality and reclaim our freedom.

Here's a piece of poetry I wrote in memory of Maggie:

She was vibrant,

A bundle of cuteness.

Her eyes were red as a rose,

And she had that cute little nose.

She ran too fast,

As if there were no past.

She never uttered a word,

And preferred to remain unheard.

I never loved her much,

But a bond existed, without a single touch.

She was a fighter,

Perhaps trying her best,

Yet inside, she was quietly distressed.

One morning, I found her on the floor,

My sister wept, declaring,

“Maggie is no more!”

We laid Maggie to rest in a box filled with her favorite treats and toys beneath flowers that whispered, "You are Dust, and To Dust, You Shall Return."

The day Maggie ceased running, I knew in my heart that she was simply too weary to continue. She imparted one vital lesson:

Never stop running! If you stop, you die.

Chapter 2: The Human Hamster Wheel

This video titled "Trapped In An ENDLESS HALLWAY, The Only Escape Is .... The Exit" delves into the metaphor of feeling stuck and the search for liberation from life's repetitive cycles. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to step off the treadmill of life and seek a new path.

The next video, "Tron RUN/r gameplay - Grid and Light Cycle | Final Release (1080p 60fps)," showcases the exhilarating experience of navigating through challenges. It serves as a reminder that life can be an adventurous journey, full of twists and turns, if we choose to break free from monotony.