Lirael
What Made Final Fantasy So Important To Me
by , August 23, 2012 at 4:36 PM (962 Views)
Moments ago, I was playing Final Fantasy pieces on the piano and I was hit by a truly incredible feeling of nostalgia.
I have been playing To Zanarkand on the piano for 7 years now, ever since I first discovered the series in 2005. As my fingers followed their familiar route, touching those familiar notes, my mind went back to those evenings spent on my keyboard and the time I spent trying to learn more complex pieces like Rikku's Theme (which I should really attempt now I'm better!) Following that, my mind returned to the music videos I made (so many Final Fantasy X ones!) and then the people I met and how they contributed to my own personal development.
It's a little funny to be able to say this, but Final Fantasy transformed my life. Before October/November 2005, I was not at all confident nor popular. I had one friend who didn't go to my school and the majority of people thought I was a bit odd. My interests (gaming, fantasy, imagining things, writing and reading) were different from the norm (and I have always had this habit of talking about them openly with much enthusiasm!)
In 2005, we finally got the internet. Within four months, I was a member of several Final Fantasy forums. Back then, the whole concept of a ‘forum’ and ‘online friends’ was a little odd. I even accused my first boyfriend (before our relationship) of being a paedophile. (I have since met him in person so I can confirm that I was very wrong.)Despite my concerns, it was exciting and the people I met were welcoming, helpful and empathetic. In short, I made a number of very good friends who shared my interests. But more importantly, they helped me feel confident about who I was.
Over time, I came to feel more positive about myself physically too. At school, the other girls reminded daily that I was ‘fat’ and ‘ugly.’ They told me I had a big nose and too much acne. Well, there’s not a lot a teenager can do about acne and I’ve never liked the idea of cosmetic surgery, so I’m stuck with my big nose.But I could do something about my weight, and with positive reinforcement from friends, I started to believe I could be healthier, started to believe I could be pretty and thus began my journey. Since losing the weight, I’ve gained a lot of confidence. I couldn’t have done it without my friends, who I wouldn’t have met without Final Fantasy.
This is an odd blog post I know. It’s certainly not meant to be a ‘woe-was-me’ entry, but rather an entry about how beautiful Final Fantasy is to me. It’s taken me on a journey far beyond those presented within the games. In a very roundabout way, it's transformed my future, made me into someone more confident. I don't smile sheepishly anymore, curving my lips into an awkward 'I don't really like photos' curve. I smile with my teeth.
Has Final Fantasy changed anyone else’s life for the better?0 Thanks, 0 Likes
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