Random Happiness

Literature. Ahh, Literature. It's a beautiful world of its own. And the beauty of this spectacular world has been displayed through great works like "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy, "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, "The Great Gatsby" by Scott Fitzgerald, and countless more.

Now, have I read all of these? Nah. But you know what got me into reading? Harry Potter? Lord of the Rings? Nope, it was my 1st grade English textbook.

However, here's the book series that gets me to read - The Diary of a Wimpy kid.

awkward silence

Yes, I am aware of books with greater values and much more beautiful narrating with moving stories and stunning writing. But hear me out-

It's just the simplicity of the book that I love. It is about the day-to-day life of a middle schooler. It is fun to see the cluttered days of Greg Heffley. The way Jeff Kinney (the author) has presented the protagonist's life is hilarious, chaotic, and simple, and gives me a laugh. It is my getaway from my troubles (Yes, Karen, even a teenager has worries). This young boy has his troubles with being "visible" and being "cool." We all know how awkward and clumsy our middle school years are. And reliving them through the main character takes me back to the sillier and simpler days. He, too, like me, has unrealistic fantasies (like his world is a TV show and the people he interacts with are actors) and bad decisions. It is just about the ordinary life that makes it so relatable. Such as the extra caring nature of his mother. The annoyance he feels from his siblings. The childish behavior of his best friend, Rowley. The laziness of waking up in the morning. The error of him thinking that wearing a pizza box for boots is creative. Eugh, Yikes!

Ah, we've all done something stupid in thought that it was "hip" while in reality, it is just... not...

And we just look back at those moments with the most cringiest face possible. I am aware that some people make that face at the fact that they used to read Wimpy Kid once before. That is okay, I do not want you to like what I like. But each book of this series is a reminder for me to take a step back. To have a laugh. To reconnect with the craziest child in me. To be a little informal.

We all have that one thing that brings out a genuine smile. Be it watching that one movie, coloring that one picture, or singing that one song. It's okay to fall back onto them once in a while. It helps you to loosen up and breathe. Do not suppress the activity that gives you the freedom you desire. It is alright to run back to it. It gives you the strength to stand up.

So go back to your 'Wimpy Kid'. It is in the little things that happiness is found. Take a moment to do what keeps you in touch with the beautiful smile you have!

Signed,

Ann.