Make it Happen Monday: Reality
Back when I was working in the tourism industry of St. Kitts, I would hear the same thing over and over from tourists about a day or so before they left the island….“It’s time for us to go back to reality”. The reply that my boss, X (yeah, that was his name), and I used to say was “this is reality”. A few years later when my Wife and I were working the Caribbean tourist scene together, we continued with the same comical response.
As I think about it now, the Caribbean life we were living was actually as real as life can get. Maybe this wasn’t the case for the tourists who would escape their reality for one to two weeks on their vacation, but for us it was our reality. More of a reality, in fact, than the reality I’ve re-associated myself with in North America.
I find that it’s in North America where people have a harder time being themselves because of the conveniences, distractions, and persuasions. Where materialism is used to fill voids and put up facades. Where sometimes the news isn’t exactly as it appears to be. If this is reality, it is no wonder tourism is on the rise worldwide.
Now I’m not being overly fair here. Your reality is what you want and what you make it. All I’m saying is that you should look inwards to see if you’re living the reality you really want to live, or if you’re simply giving in.
Once again I feel like an anarchist….like how come you can’t see all this as clearly as I can? What I do know is that living simply. Living pure. Living naturally….is total reality. Real food. Real people. Real life.
Look inside and find your reality…then dare to follow it.
I agree that we are over-stimulated here in North America, and constantly staring at screens with more emails, etc. than we can process keeps us feeling stressed. When we go to the Caribbean, I love the fact that my smartphone is not set up to work internationally (yes, I could activate it easily, but don’t). It’s amazing what some time away from emails, phone calls, and (gasp) even the internet will do for your sanity.
That said, I haven’t yet figured out how to make days filled with only sun, cycling, snorkeling, and boat drinks into my everyday reality. I like the idea of the simple life, but still need to pay the bills right now and give the kids a decent education.
Best,
Rob
Thanks for your comments, Rob. It may not sound real, but you can create whatever reality you want….as long as it’s what you want more than anything else. Believe it.
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain”. Maya Angelou, US author and poet.I love this quote, as it really illustrates the power of attitude, and our attitude is our reality. It’s just that simple.
Thanks for providing the quote, Joel…..and for your comments. Keep up the great attitude.
Your post reminded me of a quote from “Younger Next Year”:
“The rules are straightforward: Exercise hard and you will grow younger. Care about other people and you will grow happier. Build a life you think means something and you will grow richer.”
There’s some reality for you.
Thanks Tim, that is beautiful….and I do try to live my life that way. You are one wise man, my friend.
I love this. I live in a place that people come to vacation and hear that “back to reality” statement all the time. That and, “what do you do around here? Don’t you get bored?” I am never bored. But people are used to being over-stimulated I think, so when they come somewhere that there is no wifi and the cell phones don’t work and there is no mall, McDonalds, or forms of entertainment they are used to….they get a little lost. Anyway, nice piece, your reality is what you make it.
I’ve never heard of Caratunk before but I guess you know what I’m talking about when you live in a touristy location. Yes, living without the typical North American “conveniences” gives you a much different perspective on life, doesn’t it? Thanks for your comments.