That sounds like something the late, great wordsmith Yogi Berra may have said. At first, it sounds ridiculous, idiotic even. Yet perhaps, at second glance, it seems as though it may have a deeper meaning, albeit unintentionally so.
There's a fine line between genius and hogwash, it would seem.
Whether brilliant or simpleminded 'tis a reminder to make the most of right now because later ain't guaranteed. Don't look back with regrets, right? But here's the rub-a-dub-dub, this life we live is chock full of big responsibilities. There's just so much to do, so many requirements and demands on our time. I mean, it's a lot. Like, so, so much! How can one even start to live life like you're dying? (Um, duh, by the way!)
It is enough to make one feel a bit overwhelmed. For instance, how would one really, like actually, go about wringing the most from every day? Just thinking about it makes me fancy a nap. There are certain expectations. Bars are set high. There's too much pressure. And if one were to, say, not make the most of a single day or maybe a bunch of 'em, what then?
Guilt.
Ravaging and raging guilt, because what excuse is there? None. The message to get cracking is clear and constant! No rest for the weary or wicked or whiny or whatever! Live fast, die stupid, and leave people with questions at your wake. At least make your mark on the sky like some gassy frat boy who crop-dusts a birthday party at Applebee's. Paint the town red or at least mauve. Sleep when you're dead!
No thanks. It's exhausting. Furthermore, this is not a plan for lasting health.
Believe me, no one has bigger dreams than I do. I've heard whispers, (in my head), that I have grand delusions. That is truish enough. You could say I have squad car goals. (Is that the right phrase?) I am looking to use up every iota of every minute of every day. But then, of course, there are times when I just want to sit. Rest awhile on my laurels or lack thereof. You know, sort of write an I.O.U. to myself for living my best life at a more convenient time. I admit, it is a kind of a Hedbergian approach to milking life for all it's worth.
In all seriousness, (as if that's possible), big dreams, aspirations, challenging goals, these are important. It's good to want to make something of yourself. And it is a worthwhile endeavor to avoid wasting days when you can. But maybe the marrow of life is not just about filling our days to the brim. Perhaps it is more rewarding when we just experience the moments.
Maybe the true measure of a life well-lived is how present and connected we are on a regular basis. That trip to Morocco sounds fabulous, but sharing a loving moment with another human being is immeasurable in its importance for our souls. Plus, and maybe more importantly, all this go-go-go stuff is just plain tiring.
That is why I am pleased to announce my new campaign for responsible most-making of our lives. It is based on the notion of alternately seizing of days supplemented by alternate days of like, not. It will be rolled out next month or perhaps the next. I'm not sure exactly. I'm too tired to figure it out right now, plus like, I'm making everything from scratch for Thanksgiving, so I'm super busy.* I'm all about that YOLO** pie crust!
11-22-19
*That is an entirely false statement. I mean, there's stuff I need to binge-watch on Netflix. Then there's the matter of borrowing someone's credentials for Disney+...
**You only live once.
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