"Old Ark" by ARK

If you met the younger you, what would you say to yourself?

Mine would probably go like this:

"You've stayed in Heaven all your life. You have no idea how the human world is. It's harder here-- life is much more complicated. It's more serious than our cloud-bouncing life up there. People hate each other, and if not, they let others love their masks. Here you get criticized for trying to be you.

Here, everybody has problems. It's a burden almost every human I've encountered carries. Some are heavier than others. It all depends on how the person carries it...depends on how strong you are. Ark, on this world I learned to be strong.

Here, you spend your time trying to accomplish something. If you don't try hard enough, they'll frown upon you. They will call you worthless and unnecessary. Don't ever let them tell you this. You're not worthless, Ark. Your worth is not visible to everyone--it doesn't have to be.

This is a scary world. No wonder everyone wants to go up there. Still, I want you to go here. When Dev jumps toward the Earth, follow him. This world is where you will learn most of the things you must. But keep yourself safe.

I must brag I am happier than you. And I can't wait for you to experience these too. No, life isn't always good. That's impossible in this world. But after surviving the struggles, you'll see what I'm talking about. :)

You will be happier, Ark. So smile. None of your current worries are harder than what I have faced. But don't worry. I'm still alive. And you know what? You'll survive them all too.

Learn to love.

Take the risks.

Don't worry.

You will change in all aspects, Ark. So smile. But don't worry, you are still you, only stronger. If you begin to lose everything, make sure you don't lose yourself. "Think, take, trust", remember?

For now, this is my home. Someday, it will also be yours. I learned to love it here despite life's cruelty. But I'll be back someday."