I open a dozen of browser tabs, read random articles to feel better, and then click on that corner ‘x’ button. That doesn’t change circumstances for me. I still feel numb.
I’ve been doing this for years.
Whenever I feel low, I switch to the browser and type things like “I feel sad” and “what causes pains in life,” to find shortcuts to end my life problems.
Although I might not want to admit it, that’s nothing but my cowardice. I don’t want to face life. Typing and staring at the screen is easier than confronting my inner restlessness.
But then, there’s something wrong
All previous generations happily survived without having to rely on computers or the internet. Buddha even attained enlightenment – without Google.
As I child, I was happier. I didn’t need to read books. I needed no management or tools. I dealt with life easily. But now, I try to find refuge in searching my own problems on the internet.
And most people I know are similar.
They feel unhappy and lost.
Why is that?
Perhaps, because we’re allowing ourselves to be too dependent. Or maybe because we’re humans – and humans are emotional beings.
Here’s something I’ve decided
I won’t always Google search my life problems.
I’ll do it fewer times than I do.
I have a reason for that.
Here are a few genuine reasons why anyone should stop Google searching to solve life problems
1. It makes you weak
You don’t see the cause.
You don’t even make an attempt to find it.
Instead, you type a few words expecting help from others by reading a thread. You leave your difficulties to others. You expect them to solve your problems.
It’s like finding a ready-made solution.
You don’t want to face what’s happening within you, so you rely on a bunch of strangers more than your own instincts.
I’m sorry, but that changes nothing. Not much. To be able to solve your life problems, you need to be strong enough to peek in your heart and ask yourself “What’s wrong?”
You don’t need to be dependent – you’re darn powerful. You may have just not realized it yet.
2. You’ll be lost
People have opinions, and they can teach you.
So what?
Those are their opinions. Their solutions. That’s what has worked for them. The same wouldn’t necessarily cure you.
Too much opinion and advice would only confuse your further. You won’t find clarity. Rather, you’ll be lost. The chaos would only increase.
Stay away from that.
The solution or answer you’re seeking is already within you. All you need to do is listen.
3. You should think emotionally
Computer or machines work on instructions.
You feed an instruction into them – they work.
You aren’t a machine.
You’re a human.
Sure, the internet has solutions. They’re logical and smart. But sometimes your heart doesn’t want to be smart.
It just wants to feel better, which can only happen when you put aside your phone or internet and live like a human. Those words on the screen aren’t enough.
You need to get in touch with those who matter to you in your life. You need to laugh. Above all, you need to make efforts towards developing resilience even when life’s not perfect.
4. You’ll still need to talk to yourself
Because even if you’re aware of the cure, healing would require learning.
Peace can only be found within.
No one knows what’s going on within you. You hold your pains and storms, and only you know how to calm them.
The outside world is merely chaos. It’s pompous and blank. It cannot teach you what you can teach yourself.
5. You won’t find the cure on a single webpage
Do you think you’ve found a miraculous cure by reading a couple of soothing paragraphs on the internet?
That’s what you think, but not the truth. The truth is that you’ll often have to deal with certain insecurities and emotional turmoil until your problems fade out.
This blog, or a book, or other stuff on the internet may be good – but that’s not your answer. Your troubles only end when you genuinely admit them, and resolve to fix them in the long term.
That requires effort.
Still, do it if that works for you
Google searching your problems isn’t evil, either.
Google helps prevent suicide and is curing a generation that feels lonely. It makes depressed people understand that they’re depressed and helps them heal.
That sort of awareness isn’t possible without the help of internet.
Some people stumble across meaningful articles and say they feel fine after reading. If that heals you – then do it maybe. You don’t need to listen to me.
Above all, I’d be happy if you did what’s right for you.
You’d be happier.