Personal Narrative: My Sonder
Sonder is one of the greatest realizations a person can have. The idea of sonder is that every person has an equally complex life as you do. All lives have complexities not fathomable to other people, a rabbit hole of insecurities, strengths, and weaknesses. I never understood sonder until I became a barber. After many years in my craft, I began to like my client’s stories, which coming from all walks of life. They always have a new perspective on life than my own. While many people collect stamps or coins, I collected these stories. In particular, I remember this young chap who was just like you, waiting for me to finish his haircut. He was a WWII veteran. I believe he was part of the Jewish Brigade. Have you heard of the Spring Offensive of 1945 in Italy?
“No, did you happen to get his name?” you inquire. No, it’s a shame, I feel like I knew him better than most. Yet I never asked for his name. I remember that day clearly, though. He walked in with an army uniform, and strong stature. Resting his black shiny military boots on the ottoman, his feet facing the door. He was a …show more content…
You are an abandoner and a friend, a coward and a stalwart. The ruling of a person can not be judged on a single action but many. That is, why you are both.” I responded to him. As these words left my mouth I began to pull off the cutters gown. He stood before me, he nodded and proceeded to the door. As he opened the door to leave he smiled accepting my reply and leaving. I never saw that man again. That my good sir is when I learned that the opposite of strength is not weakness, but indifference. The indifference of who rules over you, what ideology you follow, who you believe in. Caring and strength are staying to your convictions. Weakness is a transition to indifference. Surviving a war is not the same as strength. Dying in a war for your country is not strength. True strength is staying to your values no matter the amount of manipulation that
“No, did you happen to get his name?” you inquire. No, it’s a shame, I feel like I knew him better than most. Yet I never asked for his name. I remember that day clearly, though. He walked in with an army uniform, and strong stature. Resting his black shiny military boots on the ottoman, his feet facing the door. He was a …show more content…
You are an abandoner and a friend, a coward and a stalwart. The ruling of a person can not be judged on a single action but many. That is, why you are both.” I responded to him. As these words left my mouth I began to pull off the cutters gown. He stood before me, he nodded and proceeded to the door. As he opened the door to leave he smiled accepting my reply and leaving. I never saw that man again. That my good sir is when I learned that the opposite of strength is not weakness, but indifference. The indifference of who rules over you, what ideology you follow, who you believe in. Caring and strength are staying to your convictions. Weakness is a transition to indifference. Surviving a war is not the same as strength. Dying in a war for your country is not strength. True strength is staying to your values no matter the amount of manipulation that