Now that I'm old enough to somewhat vividly recall the world 20 years ago, I can see that my worldview had yet to be blown up by life's letdowns. The Braves were World Series champions, pro wrestling proved that the good guys always won and I was on track to play both pro football and baseball while defending the WWF Championship in my spare time.
20 years into the future and reality hasn't only set in- it beat down the door, snatched the TV remote and made itself sandwich.
I wish could warn 6 year old me about what was next. The Braves will never be better, Hulk Hogan’s a racist and the road towards all you aspire to become runs straight through a cubicle. The horror.
In actuality, childhood was fun. Naps in school, little to no homework and having tons of energy were all great, but they were enough. Something else, a milestone or new place we heard about from an older sibling or saw on TV didn't just take the fun out of where we were- it made it look like a punishment.
In 8th grade, high school was the next big thing. Then it was getting a license, followed by going to college, then graduating from college and ending with getting the right job. Step after step, the next seeming better than the last but each leaving us needing more. Access to the stuff we really want feels impeded by the things we actually have. But in the mad pursuit of what’s next, we’ve neglected to enjoy what’s now.
I don’t think happiness has to permanently reside in the
future. There are worthwhile moments,
relationships and experiences we can grab right where we are today. Some of these opportunities weren’t possible
last year and won’t be around in one year or even a single day. A lot of these won’t seem shareable on Instagram or up
to par with where your friends appear to be, but looking at situations side by side is useless and unhealthy. Over time I’ve learned that true
contentment dies with comparison.
We have the choice to yearn for what was, regret could’ve been or hope for what still might happen, but why do that when a better alternative exists? By acknowledging who we are and what we can do, we empower ourselves to not worry about what’s not gone/not here and take full advantage of we have right now. Don't merely exist in the present; invest in it.
We have the choice to yearn for what was, regret could’ve been or hope for what still might happen, but why do that when a better alternative exists? By acknowledging who we are and what we can do, we empower ourselves to not worry about what’s not gone/not here and take full advantage of we have right now. Don't merely exist in the present; invest in it.
