Whow are you?

Oops! That title sure sounds like a typo, doesn’t it? How could someone overlook such a glaring mistake before posting? This reaction might be expected if curiosity led you to tap on this blog. Yes, it’s an unusual word, but it emerged from my consciousness wrestling with two profound questions: "Who are you?" and "How are you?" Both questions can induce existential crises, and many people struggle to answer them. To be fair, we can't really blame them; it's just how the world has evolved, setting norms and unrealistic expectations that push us into a relentless race to outdo ourselves every single day. Sometimes, people call it hustle when it's working well, and other times they call it a hassle, depending on the mood of the day.

That title seems lazy, doesn’t it? Alright, let's calm down. You’re only two paragraphs into the blog, and already questions are being thrown at you. For starters, the title can be explored a bit more, but the important thing about laziness is that in some instances, it’s a necessary evil. In that crowded headspace of yours, filled with thoughts ranging from the minute ("How am I maintaining my balance right now?") to the grand ("How can I balance my life at large?"), we often forget to take a moment to breathe. Sure, it need not always be a sigh of relief because we’re not always in a relieved position. However, sometimes a sigh of relaxation is even more important to function normally. Relief needs a motive to occur, but relaxation is the very crux of achieving that motive.

The Importance of "How are you?"

With that context, let’s first discuss "How are you?" This question can sometimes sound rhetorical, pretentious, formal, or even sarcastic, depending on who’s asking. But in all sincerity, this is a genuine question right now. It's often overlooked as a mere salutation to kick off a few interactions. Sometimes we can’t mentally bring ourselves to answer it, or we can't structure our thoughts to provide an answer. There are only a few occasions in life when we truly respect the value of that question and answer it sincerely. One such occasion is during moments of elation, where joy is evident even if we’re just staring blankly. The other is during a breakdown, where our face remains expressionless despite being surrounded by chaos.

Exploring "Who are you?"

Now, let’s tackle "Who are you?" This question is incredibly versatile. Sometimes, it triggers a surge of positive energy, driving us to put in the effort to achieve a status that answers this question. It pushes us to try, experiment, fail hard, and come back stronger. At other times, it can demotivate us, trapping us in a cocoon and stripping away our wings of freedom by questioning our identity. Because of its versatility, it’s crucial to handle this question with caution and elegance, balancing identity and motivation. When someone asks you this question, it’s okay if you can’t answer with clarity. However, when you ask yourself this question, you shouldn’t waver even a bit. Your mirror and your conscience should always hear you answer with utmost confidence and self-respect.

Essentially, these two questions, composed of basic words, have the power to shake the very foundation of our being. But this shouldn’t be a reason for intimidation. Instead, they should help us strengthen ourselves as individuals. Never try to address these questions in the wrong order. Notice how in "Whow," the "WHO" comes before the "HOW." In life, however, the "HOW" should take precedence because it ultimately determines "WHO" you deserve to become.

In essence, "How are you?" and "Who are you?" are not just casual questions. They are pivotal to understanding ourselves and navigating the complexities of life. They are meant to help us reflect, grow, and find our footing amidst the chaos. Remember, while the "WHO" may come first in writing, the "HOW" is what shapes our journey and defines who we become.