My word processor just suddenly quit on me today. A lone message on the screen said I needed to re-activate it again by using, what else, an activation key. I at once suspected the computer shop from where we purchased our PC many years ago, must have either given us an unlicensed version or must’ve installed an Office app with a limited five-year warranty. It’s already been more than five years. As it is, all the files I’ve written through those years, are now inaccessible unless I logged in again with a valid verification key. With that, more than a thousand of my articles are suddenly out of reach. Major major bummer.
As my son suggested, I tried downloading another word processor application to replace the earlier one I had been using. The only problem with this, the app from where to get it from advised that it needed 24 hours for them to verify my email account. So, after another tortuous moment of what to do, what to do, I finally turned to using the most basic word processor of all, Notepad.
No more whining and moaning and running around in circles, I thought. As much as possible, I must start to train myself to slowly avoid being panicky, and most of all lethargic, despite aching bones, lower back and being a sleepy head. Also, I must learn to accept the fact that technology needs to be updated and whether we like to or not, we have to tag along, lest we fall behind. A new insight for me.
The root of all this, I was reading through old tattoo designs when I chanced upon an Okinawan word that seemed to be popular among many ink enthusiasts. The word, Nankurunaisa, which means ‘everything will be okay’, in both design and meaning, struck at the heartstrings. Because instantly fascinated, I looked it up further and found out it was actually a powerful ancient Japanese mantra similar to that of the Buddhist acceptance of life sufferings. Its original and raw translation read, “never forget who you are and live for today and tomorrow; never forget to smile no matter how bad your day is, and remember the next day the sun will shine on you.“
Not that literally yet, I reckon; there’s almost been no sunshine in three to five days, my dirty laundry is a-piling. But I’m looking forward to it, singing here comes the sun. . In the same manner, the PC dilemma is solved; no activation key, no problem, go back to basics. And if all else fails, use a pen.
