When I first read the To Be or Not To Be soliloquy in Shakespeare's Hamlet, I fell in love instantly. Yes, I'm that nerd that actually enjoys Shakespeare's writing.

       At this point in the story, Hamlet feels as though he's reached his lowest. He is miserable and wants the suffering to end. He acknowledges that death would mark the end of his current suffering, but he fears what would follow it.

      The way death and living is portrayed in his piece, really got me thinking.

      It made me realize that we are meant to fear death. I am firm believer that the afterlife will be better than we can ever even imagine. But the unknown. The fear of not knowing what awaits us, creates a deeper urgency to live.

      Without this fear or curiosity, more of us would be inclined to end it all when things get tough.

       If Hamlet hadn't been afraid, he may have deemed death better than his life. His story would have ended much too soon.

      Though I love the To Be or Not To Be soliloquy, I don't want my reason to live to rest in my apprehension of death. I want to live because life is unpredictable. Though unpredictability can lead to less favourable situations, it can also present the most amazing opportunities and memories.

      Learn to be curious about life.

      Expect the unexpected.

      Stick around to see what the Universe has in store for you.

      I don't know you. I don't know what you've been through. But I promise that there is always a possibility for things to get better. Opportunities that you couldn't even imagine may arise. Hold on to hope that countless surprises await you in your future.

      The sun shines again, no matter the downpore of a storm.

       Every story has a climax. Some main characters face more challenges than others. Some plot-lines are darker. But after the climax comes the falling action and resolution. Don't let the climax mark the end of your story. Find curiosity and hope for the happy ending that awaits you. Don't let your story end in the middle of a chapter.

        I have yet to read a story that includes only the main character. Sometimes the hero needs help from secondary characters to overcome their story's conflicts. Let people in. Reach out to someone if you need help. I promise someone wants to listen. Even a stranger like myself.