The Veronika in Me

I finished reading the book Veronika Decides To Die not too long ago, and just like all other Paolo Coehlo penned pieces, this was another can't-put-down read. This is the second part of the trilogy And on the Seventh Day and as the title suggests, reflects the author's views on death and his own experiences in a mental institution.

Being the drama queen that I am, I couldn't help but relate myself to the lead character, Veronika. Not sure if it's only me or the character is meant to tap into each one of the readers but I seriously think I am soo like the unreformed Veronika! I pride in being such a neutral person -- walay libog, in Bisaya. I'm adapt to new environments fairly quickly, get along with most people all because I really don't let anything get to me. I know people with strong opinions about everything that they only move in circles of people who share the same views. Me on the other hand, don't impose my opinions on anyone. I've got my own feelings and views but I think those opinions only apply to me. If other people think otherwise, I really couldn't be bothered. Apathetic you might say. But nothing really gets to me. Nothing really bothers me. Nothing really irks me and gets under my skin.

The Pros: Not having too many worries
Being free of grudes towards people, things and situations
Problem-free* (*most of the time)
Getting along with most people


The Cons: I never really thought it had any, but as the book showed me -- suicidal tendencies (horrors!)

I haven't reached the suicidal tendencies stage yet (thank God!), but at times, I do feel like life can get bland. Boring and just not interesting enough. Life can seem to be nothing more than black, white and the occassional grey. This brings memories of my ReEd teacher in uni when she challenged our class that when faced with a situation, it is better to either love it or hate it. I really didn't get her concept that time because I would rather love it or not care. I felt that if people hate something, they are driven by anger and rage that will lead them into doing wrong, and if I "just didn't care", I wouldn't do anything wrong and that's a better thing, right? Not quite.

After reading the book, I saw that my I-just-don't-care attitude took away all the reds, blues, yellows in my life! Everyone is absolutely unique and it's ok to hate or dislike something. It's all part of being human, of being passionate. It is only through loving and hating that one lives life to the fullest and makes the most of what God had given us. We only have one shot at this thing called life, and not caring is just not good enough.