I wish every door was transparent so that we could see what's inside before we go in. But that would make life quite predictable. No more speakeasys. No more cupboard under the stairs. No more hidden passageways. No secrets. Still, it would be nice to at least get a glimpse before going in.
Perhaps it is the opening that needs to change. Instead of opening doors and taking 10 steps into the dark, don't go. You can't assume a light switch is somewhere to be found. The reality is that some rooms are just permanently dark, and if you walk in, you might have trouble finding your way back. The flicker of light coming from outside remains for most. You would just need to find a way back. Still, when deep in the dark, you will get hurt because you can't see the edges on your way. Unfortunately, many people get so hurt by these hidden-in-the-dark objects that they don't make it out. Even when they see the light under the door. I almost didn't make it. Maybe I shouldn't have gone in.
Other people seem to enjoy just jumping all in and getting lost. Maybe because they like to solve the puzzle of finding their way back. Maybe because in the dark they are allowed to scream. Maybe because they don't actually have any light coming from outside. So they get used to darkness, to hurt, to screaming for help and not being found. It's easy to get used to the dark and forget you've seen light before. I almost forgot it. But had I not gone in, I wouldn't be aware of the existence of these dark rooms behind attractive doors.
Maybe we just need a balanced approach to going in. Open the door slowly and wait for your eyes to get used to the new space. Locate the nearest emergency exit. Do a quick scan of the room to see if what's inside is really worth the detour. If it's really impossibly dark and you can barely discern where you are, don't take any steps in. Step back. Turn your back and close that door. Close it well, and don't go knocking again. At least not for a long time until you see a renovation crew going in and changing everything.
If you're inside now, in the dark, start making your way back to the light, honey. You can still avoid further bruises, you can shake off the familial feeling darkness gives you. I bet there's another door full of light just at the end of the corridor. And I promise you, the trip there is worth it. Flowers don't grow in the dark. Art needs spotlights. Love needs clarity. Dark rooms are emptiness machines, and they will do everything to hollow you out. Don't let that happen. Turn around and leave with your eyes wide open. Back to yourself, back to light.
