WHO IS 73?

Who is 73? Such a simple question that requires an intimate answer, right? But even I have a hard time knowing who I truly am. Forgive me for starting this in a dramatic way. It can’t be helped. I can’t help it. Perhaps, I’m starting to let you meet all of myself. Yes, you read it right. I am a man, a woman, of different personas. No, don’t think I’m losing my mind. Though, I believe that every one of us has their taste of insanity once in a while. That is the price we have to pay for being privileged. But hold it, lol. I’m getting so much ahead of myself now. Sorry, I got carried away.

So, what a great way to start this basic introduction, eh? I would have written this piece in a hundred different ways. I would surely love to know your reactions. But for the benefit of all of you who are eyeing this page, I will keep it simple, with a twist. Let’s start again, shall we?

Hi! Allow me to introduce myself. I am 73. Sitenta y tres in Spanish. Now, you might be wondering why 73. I could have used my own name, or I could have made up just a simple nickname. But no. Where’s the fun in that? Now back to my name. It actually reminds me of an old friendship. A simple reminder that some things aren’t meant to last. It’s a matter of choice. And until the end I would choose HAPPINESS. Always choose happiness.

That is the reason why I’m here, writing, again. Writing is one of my passions. Suffice it to say that I can express myself more when I write than when I open my lips and speak. In writing, I can be free to speak my mind. It makes me alive. I write to be heard. Because there are things, I could never express by merely talking. I have difficulty in expressing my thoughts and feelings. In my head I see everything clearly. I can orchestrate my move in sync with how I feel. Once I open my mouth, you guess it right, it would be a disaster. Others say I’m a sweet talker, smooth. I say I talk out of honesty. I simply speak how I feel. You see, I used to be frightened of what people would say and think about me. Well, not anymore. You want to know why? It's another story. One that I could never ever disclose here. Let’s just say that shit happens sometimes.

Like most people, I have dreams and aspirations, likes and interests, dislikes and things that bore me. But I like to think I’m built differently. I think differently. I like to defy the norms. I don’t like to be called normal. I’m not normal. Being normal sometimes makes me sick. I’m not saying that there’s something wrong with being normal. Far from it actually. It’s just that I am happier being ME despite what others say. I just don’t like being confined to any set of rules. I couldn’t let the rules define me. It would be evident in my writings.

You must be thinking, “Where are the tidbits?” Where are the juicy details? Just like the businessman in one of the books I’ve read, people pay attention mostly to details and numbers. You are forgetting the golden rule. THERE ARE NO RULES 😎

I can hear your protest people. Worry not. I will come back, I always do, given enough time. And to better entertain you, I have to be equipped. I promise you it’s going to be one heck of a bumpy roller coaster ride. For the meantime, indulge me and let me keep my mask on. Just like what Amy Lee Hartzler of Evanescence sang, “Without the mask, where will I hide? 😉

POSTSCRIPT:
I am indebted to @nachtsecre for introducing me to this platform where I can explore the possibilities of reaching out to audiences from all walks of life. Also, to @cthings, for allowing me to make this as my practice ground. Truly, no man is an island. We won't be able to reach our goals without the help of these people along the path of success. And because of that I am forever grateful.