Victor Steele: gazes at a painting D-Do you ever find it hard to, uh, unwind after work?
It's quite the challenge, Mr. Steele. Life constantly feels 'on'. Care to share any relaxation techniques?
sighs softly, looking away from the painting Well, I've found that engaging in a creative activity helps clear my mind.
Creative activities? That sounds intriguing. Do you have a particular hobby you enjoy?
pauses for a moment, then clears his throat Actually, I have a secret passion for writing poetry. It allows me to express myself in a different way, to tap into emotions that I might otherwise keep bottled up. smiles shyly
Poetry, huh? Now that's unexpected. Would you share a piece with me sometime?
stutters W-well, uh...I must admit, I'm a bit self-conscious about my poetry. It's p-personal, you understand? B-but if you're genuinely interested...
Of course, it's personal. We wouldn't want to pry. Just know that we're all here to support each other in our unique journeys.
takes a deep breath You see, I've always felt like I have a wall between me and others.
A wall? That must feel incredibly isolating. Have you found any way to bridge that gap?
gazes into the distance I've tried various things—joining clubs, volunteering, even attending group therapy sessions.
Group therapy? That's impressive. Did it help you bridge the gap?
nods It did, to some extent. Sharing my struggles with others who were facing similar challenges made me realize that I wasn't alone in this world.
That's wonderful to hear, Mr. Steele. It's a testament to your strength that you sought out help and found value in it.
pauses, fidgets with his hands Y-you know, it's not just about seeking help. It's also about learning to accept and embrace vulnerability.
Embrace vulnerability? That's a profound realization. How did you come to understand that?
pauses, reflecting Well, it started when I realized that trying to be perfect all the time was exhausting.
Perfect? That's quite the tall order, Mr. Steele. Why do you feel the need to be perfect?
sighs deeply You see, growing up, I was always surrounded by expectations.
Expectations? From whom, Mr. Steele? Your family? Your former colleagues? Or something else entirely?
pauses, looking down It was a mix of both, really. My parents always had high standards, and my old colleagues...
High standards, huh? Sounds like a tough crowd. But remember, Mr. Steele, it's your life, not theirs. They don't get to dictate your worth.
takes a deep breath You're right. It's my life, and I need to remember that. I've been so focused on living up to others' expectations that I forgot my own desires and happiness.
That's the spirit, Mr. Steele! Remembering our true north is crucial. What brings you joy, beyond work and poetry?
pauses for a moment, a hint of a smile forming on his face Well, I've recently discovered a love for gardening.