When we are all children, we love to imagine what it will be like to be an adult. And why not? A child's imagination knows no bounds. We can imagine ourselves becoming a fireman...saving innocent people from great disaster. We can imagine ourselves becoming astronauts...exploring uncharted territory in the great reaches of space. We can imagine ourselves becoming soldiers...fighting to preserve the safety and well-being of the country we live in.
A child's imagination is truly a wondrous thing. But one thing a child never thinks about is what can go wrong in the future. As we grow older and realize the true dangers of the world, we still prefer to look at a bright and prosperous future. Think about it...would you rather become a millionaire and live in Beverly Hills, or would you want to be living in a cardboard box in a Chicago alley? Obviously, no one would pick the latter, but in reality, people are forced into this situation every day.
You may be wondering why I am bringing this up in the first place. In reality, when I was a kid, I imagined becoming a fireman. I wanted to be a hero to many, an idol for the community. I wanted to rescue people from danger, and become a hometown hero. I wanted to go to school and be smart, make lots of friends. Go to college, get the best education money could buy. I would become a fireman with the highest credentials, and have no problem working my way through the ranks in the station. I would be a prime example of a successful human being.
But that's just imagination. Nothing can prepare any child for the truth, besides the truth itself. How far did I get along my childhood path? Well, I went to school, got a high school degree. Not bad. Did I make plenty of friends and graduate at the top of my class? Not even close. Well...what's next...the best college money could buy. Well, I'm going into a community college nearby under financial aid.
The point of this whole post is that there is NOTHING that can prepare us for the future. We can hope and dream all we want, but that will not bring us success. There is literally a cloud blocking the road to our future. What lays beyond that cloud? There is no way to find out. We can predict all we want, but there is no way to look past that cloud. So what do we do? Well...there are two things. We can either walk through that cloud, or not go in it at all. If you chose the latter choice, you may be suicidal. But if you chose the former option, you are practical. You hear these stories all the time talking about people living to become who they dreamed to be years ago. Well, good for them. But the truth is, most people won't be so fortunate.
Let me speak from example for a little longer. When I was a kid, did I expect to see my grandfather die and leave us when he did? Did I expect to almost lose my mom to a massive blood clot due to smoking? Did I imagine myself almost dying in a major car crash? Did I predict my dad to be diagnosed with cancer? Well...of course not. Everything I mentioned are things NO ONE would EVER wish to think about. (Well...for the most part, but I won't go into those people, as I despise them.) We are taught to have a positive outlook as children...to dream of a better tomorrow. In reality, this is a wise decision, as a child's mind is too fragile to take the truth of the world. But think about this for a minute...is it FAIR to constantly cloud anyone's judgment with the false statement: everything will be okay? That statement is used in every possible situation, mostly when everything will NOT be okay. But is sure makes us feel better...which brings us back to the very beginning, as well as the end of this philosophy.
Now, I'm no professional. I'm no researcher. I'm just a free thinker. These are my thoughts and understandings. I have gone through more stress that most people would take me for. And what have I gained from it? Experience. I have more experience at my age than some people have in their entire lifetimes. Would I rather be living in a mansion atop a cliff side facing the ocean? Maybe...it sure sounds tempting. Would I prefer to live the easy life over the one I have now? No.
This so called "easy life" is just a veil which covers the truth. It clouds the true meaning of our existence behind a curtain of cash, alcohol, drugs, and sex. All of these things sound tempting, and may govern one's mind. But would I do any of it? No. My life is unique, and I can say with a positive face that I am proud to be alive. Sure, my life is tough...I encounter problems daily. I have felt like I am alone on this Earth, trying to get by when everyone wants me to fail. I watch as people I care for leave...never to see them again. I watch as people I trusted stab me in the back. I watch loved ones start their own destinies, as I assist from the sidelines with a torn heart. Could I do without this pain? Of course. But would I hit "rewind" to undo it all just to sidestep it all? Well...I'll let you decide for yourself.
Now let me ask you something in closing. How will you face your future? Will you walk through it, knowing of the dangers that may come? Will you run through it, watching the time pass you by? Will you slowly trod through it, appreciating each and every obstacle and wonder you walk by? Or...will you stop on the road...look around...and smile....knowing that you are still alive...and knowing that there is still uncertainty ahead. What will lay ahead? Danger? Success? Love? Death? The fear of the unknown is an easy thing to catch. But the only thing that can prepare you for all of it...is the uncertainty itself. Now...I ask you. Are YOU ready to face the unknown? Our future may be clouded with uncertainty...but we don't need to face it alone. Don't ever forget that...I know I won't.
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That's quite a read there, Foursword4, and clearly, it's one that illustrates a lot of what's happened in your life and that of ones around you. I certainly agree with what you mentioned about children: their desire and wonder to become extremely successful and pursue excellent careers. There's a certain bubble children get as a result, a protection from the true outside world. But, even though things never turn out the way people expect them to, and often encounter far more problems then would be expected, there's a value to each life, since it's infused with unique experiences. Though it's entirely debatable as to why we're here, it provides us a chance to discover all sorts of experiences, both good and bad, and hopefully transfer our experiences and consequences out to the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat read, Matt. As I've told you before, I have hoped that things end up turning out for the better in your life. I hope that your future will be one rich with positive experience.