Listen. Listen. This day could be just the same as any other. That would be safe, wouldn’t it? Comforting. Nothing startling or strange.
Potentially boring, but I’m sure you could live with that.
Oh, you claim it isn’t. You like your life! It’s basically what you’ve been looking for.
Don’t you catch yourself wishing for something more? A chance at those adventures you played at when you were younger?
Now, I’m not saying I have what it takes to give you that. I’m more of an… intermediary. I know people.
You… you don’t know me anymore. You will. You might not remember, but you’ll know me. After all, you’re still listening, aren’t you?
Are you?
Maybe you aren’t. This isn’t the first time, after all. We’ve been here before. Does it count as being here before if only one of us remembers?
But that’s not important right now. That’s not what we’re here for. This is what we’re here for.
What’s holding you back?
If it’s fear, well. What’s the worst that could happen?
… Don’t answer that. You’ll only psych yourself out some more and then we’ll never get anywhere. Someone will lose a bet. Probably. People are always losing bets. I’ll lose a bet. I think you can do this.
But anyway. You want some advice? I’m going to give you some advice. It should help.
Start small. One thing at a time. Does it help if I say I believe in you?
Don’t ask how much. As much as you believe in me. As much as anyone believes in something they haven’t seen yet.
I’m here, aren’t I? Talking to you? Coaxing you into doing something?
Is it working?
To expand on that advice; start small. You don’t have to rock the boat right away. Just dip a finger in. Test the waters. See the potential for the deeps. Is this metaphor helping?
You don’t have to share it with anyone, even! Just… do something. Say something. Don’t just let the day go. Seize it! Isn’t that something you humans say?
Listen. This is the day. You know it, I know it. Don’t make this a boring one. Give me something good to watch. Help me win my bet.
You have such promise! You all… have such promise. I think you’ll be happier, that’s all, but isn’t that enough?
It would be really satisfying to be proven right.
You’re still listening? Good. That means there’s hope. But come on now. I don’t have much time left here, talking to you.
You’ll be waking soon, and something from this had better have stuck with you. I’m tired of the same conversation, every morning. It’s almost enough to make me want to change my name to Sisyphus.
Don’t worry about it.
Promise me you’ll do something fun? Find something that delights you. Share it.
You’ve got this.

Ace Cummins