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I often engage in the self-indulgent and often self-destructive game of "What if?" What if (insert life-changing event here) had (or had not) happened? It often runs along the lines of my acting or lack of acting career. Seeing a classmate on a best dressed list for the Oscars was the latest (unhealthy) stimulus. So around and around I spin. A merry-go-round of unresolved dreams and "why not me, God?"s. Trust me friends, not a ride you want to hop on -- rather nauseating actually.
But the thing is, I don't play this game fairly. I envision an alternate life where I get everything that I want without giving up anything in this life that I love. But that's not how it works. Over this last seven months I have really started to examine this. Over the years, I have heard the phrase, "life is about the journey, not the destination". But what does that mean? Really?
For me, I think that it is this. Every single step we take is a constant course correction. We often focus on the big decisions and think that is why we end up where we do or do not want to be. But I think that the reality is that our lives are created by millions, if not billions, of decisions. Some large but most small. Choosing each word we say. Choosing what television show we watch. Choosing to make a right coming out of the parking lot rather than a left. Everyday decisions that shape who we are and where we are going.
This can be good or bad news. It means that no life is set on an irrevocable path. But it also means that life cannot be lived as I was living it -- half asleep at the wheel. Life must be conscious. Awake. Aware.
As I settle in for the night, "Julie & Julia" is playing on the television. Where would I be had I not seen the film? If I had not started this little blog? I know one thing, for sure. I would not have met some of the loveliest people of my life. Thank you my friends.
So now, much like the young lover staring at two doors wondering if his fate was a lady or a tiger, I look ahead and wonder which way? And how? Any clues? I always hated that story because the author never told us what happened after he opened the door. But maybe, that's the point. Because it's about the journey, NOT the destination.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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5 comments:
A great post, it certainly has got me thinking about one or two things, thanks.
'Life must be conscious. Awake. Aware' - That really resonates with me. I loved this post x
Life is made up of infinite possibilities. Yes, some outcomes maybe more probable than others, but there are so many small moving parts that it's impossible to predict where any path will lead us. It's better to keep our eyes open to the possibilities, but not try obsess where life will take us :)
A really great post today - which is why I like your blog so much. You are absolutely right, the big decisions have major impacts on our lives, but those little every day ones have some significant consequences too and it's how we live our life day to day that matters, to our own happiness and that of those around us.
I just read a book that is very much like Sliding Doors. It wasn't very good, but I like the concept. The thing is that we make these choices and sometimes one choice is not inherently any better than any of the other choices available. Maybe our reality would be different, but not necessarily better. Anyway, if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle.
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