They say that "when one door closes another opens." They also say "don't count your chickens before they've hatched." So which is it? Are we allowed the presumption that life will bring endless opportunity, or must we assume that our only real prospects are those that are in hand? It's the classic dilemma of optimism versus realism. I, myself, tend to be neither optimistic nor realistic. I am simply a 'stic. Like the optimist, I enjoy a certain sense that things will somehow turn out alright in the end. Although like the realist, I also accept that in order for things to turn out alright, I may need to alter my definition of what "turning out alright" means. Sound perplexing? Not in the least! Like the glowbug, who's never glum because the sun shines out his bum, I have a regenerative sense of happiness, come what may. My life is a self fulfilling prophecy!
So how does one achieve such a liberating sense of self? Well, I suppose it is rather a gift of sorts. Being a ‘stic, like any other gift, has to be practiced and refined. I take great care each day to match my aspirations with the expected outcome of the day. Now I’ll admit this sounds more than a little bit flaky, but the same could be said about a gently falling snow, yet look how wonderful and enjoyable that can be. I digress. The point is, if you can’t control the arrow, then you’d better be able to move the target.
There is nothing wrong with modifying one's objectives. There are those of us, in fact, who would as of yet not be walking, talking or even toilet trained had we not adjusted our expectations at one point or another. The difference is that, as children, we can change our objectives without any sense of guilt. I've never heard of a toddler sitting on the potty and reading habit #2 of '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. They couldn't care less about the true goal of making doo doo in the potty, rather their entire focus is set upon getting that promised treat, whatever it may be. If it takes an involuntary bodily action to get it, so be it.
To a child, a treat is everything, but it really doesn't matter what it is. What does a child do when told that they will get a treat? They don't stop to carefully analyze the pros and cons of each specific treat or check the 'treats recieved' database for reviews of past treats. No, they simply ask, "what is it?" Actually it sounds more like "oooooh what is it, what is it, what is it, tell me, tell me, tell me, what is it?" When the treat is finally revealed it instantly becomes the very essence of joy and satisfaction. That is as long as it isn't a fake treat like vegetables or medicine. This tactic rarely works more than once and is often only moderately successful even for the most ardent 'stic. Needless to say, it still works on me.
Now I know I’m not the only ‘stic in the world. In fact you yourself may be wondering if you possess certain ‘stic characteristics. For example, have you ever stood up after falling in a puddle and exclaimed, “I meant to do that”? Well you’re a ‘stic in the mud. Ever lowered the bar for yourself in a timed run? You’re a speed ‘stic. Perhaps you’ve been offended by a so called "friend" and declared that you’re better off without them. You’re a chap ‘stic. I like to dunk cookies in milk, and I especially like when the cookie breaks and falls to the bottom of the glass. You guessed it, I’m a dip ‘stic. I could go on listing but this seems like a good place to stop, so I’ll be a short ‘stic. However, I do have to add, if you like off-brand soda, well your just Fanta ‘stic.
All kidding aside, I do sometimes wish that I could set a firm goal and either succeed or fail without altering my expectations. I admire those who can do so. They seem to me as the very picture of stability, winding on an uncertain course, while all the while staying fixed on the prize. What better example of such determination could there be than Wiley Coyote? At risk of life and limb he is ever vigilant in pursuing his prey. Though the roadrunner may defy him or the sheepdog may pulverize him yet he pushes on. Not even when the roadrunner seemingly scoffs at the very laws of nature and physics does the coyote give up on his quest, never giving up and leaving no idea untested.
I can only dream of having that kind of perseverance, so dream is what I shall do because, to have dream is what I really wanted all along.
So how does one achieve such a liberating sense of self? Well, I suppose it is rather a gift of sorts. Being a ‘stic, like any other gift, has to be practiced and refined. I take great care each day to match my aspirations with the expected outcome of the day. Now I’ll admit this sounds more than a little bit flaky, but the same could be said about a gently falling snow, yet look how wonderful and enjoyable that can be. I digress. The point is, if you can’t control the arrow, then you’d better be able to move the target.
There is nothing wrong with modifying one's objectives. There are those of us, in fact, who would as of yet not be walking, talking or even toilet trained had we not adjusted our expectations at one point or another. The difference is that, as children, we can change our objectives without any sense of guilt. I've never heard of a toddler sitting on the potty and reading habit #2 of '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. They couldn't care less about the true goal of making doo doo in the potty, rather their entire focus is set upon getting that promised treat, whatever it may be. If it takes an involuntary bodily action to get it, so be it.
To a child, a treat is everything, but it really doesn't matter what it is. What does a child do when told that they will get a treat? They don't stop to carefully analyze the pros and cons of each specific treat or check the 'treats recieved' database for reviews of past treats. No, they simply ask, "what is it?" Actually it sounds more like "oooooh what is it, what is it, what is it, tell me, tell me, tell me, what is it?" When the treat is finally revealed it instantly becomes the very essence of joy and satisfaction. That is as long as it isn't a fake treat like vegetables or medicine. This tactic rarely works more than once and is often only moderately successful even for the most ardent 'stic. Needless to say, it still works on me.
Now I know I’m not the only ‘stic in the world. In fact you yourself may be wondering if you possess certain ‘stic characteristics. For example, have you ever stood up after falling in a puddle and exclaimed, “I meant to do that”? Well you’re a ‘stic in the mud. Ever lowered the bar for yourself in a timed run? You’re a speed ‘stic. Perhaps you’ve been offended by a so called "friend" and declared that you’re better off without them. You’re a chap ‘stic. I like to dunk cookies in milk, and I especially like when the cookie breaks and falls to the bottom of the glass. You guessed it, I’m a dip ‘stic. I could go on listing but this seems like a good place to stop, so I’ll be a short ‘stic. However, I do have to add, if you like off-brand soda, well your just Fanta ‘stic.
All kidding aside, I do sometimes wish that I could set a firm goal and either succeed or fail without altering my expectations. I admire those who can do so. They seem to me as the very picture of stability, winding on an uncertain course, while all the while staying fixed on the prize. What better example of such determination could there be than Wiley Coyote? At risk of life and limb he is ever vigilant in pursuing his prey. Though the roadrunner may defy him or the sheepdog may pulverize him yet he pushes on. Not even when the roadrunner seemingly scoffs at the very laws of nature and physics does the coyote give up on his quest, never giving up and leaving no idea untested.
I can only dream of having that kind of perseverance, so dream is what I shall do because, to have dream is what I really wanted all along.
2 comments:
I am the squasher of all dreams. Mwahahahaha! Who needs perseverance when you have a nag for a wife? :)
Love your slap 'stic humor...
Nice... so you have to approve all my comments?? So, I can say whatever I want, but if you disagree, you just won't publish my comment?? :)
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