Make That Your Reality
Over the years of working in the tourism industry of a Caribbean island…the number one comment I hear from people leaving to go back home is “It’s time to go back to reality”. My response to them is always, “this is reality”.
Reality is what we make it. For some reason we often feel as if reality has to be unexciting, plain, or normal. Screw that man. I think John Lennon said it best when he said, “Reality leaves a lot to the imagination”.
My Wife is always encouraging our kids to use their imagination. I’m very happy with her reinforcement of this. Using imagination has helped our kids find excitement in the boring, creativity in nothingness, and friendship in the make-believe. Kids are really great at using their imaginations…..but it seems to be a dying art these days. Our societies have taken imagination out of the everyday world.
It seems to me like parents are always trying to bring their children into the reality of life as they see it. But it goes further. If we aren’t living in the reality that someone else believes, then they feel as if you’re being unrealistic. Think about it. You know what I mean? If your thoughts, ideas, or style of living doesn’t match with their reality, then you are a strange person living in an unrealistic world.
Unrealistic as it may be, I prefer it right here in my unreality. If typical reality was a color, it would have to be something with a grayish tint. Life is about color. Splash is up. Wake up in a new reality. It’s a wonderful world. Make that your reality. #MakeitHappen.
Well Said Darryl.
When I read this, in addition to your main point, I also think about the artificial realities that are sucking up peoples lives (Video Games). I know I sound like a dinosaur but I think they are so ridiculously bad for our kids. They shut down personal creativity and consume so much time when people really should be DOING and EXPERIENCING and living.
I wonder how many people will lay on their deathbed and wish that they had just played a little more Call of Duty or World of Warcraft?
“I wonder how many people will lay on their deathbed and wish that they had just played a little more Call of Duty or World of Warcraft?”
Sadly, way to many.
Nice attempt though.
I’d ask the flip side of the same question, how many will lay on their deathbed and wish they had cycled one more mountain, or hiked one more mile or loved on more time a someone special? Sadly, not many. You can’t miss what you don’t recall or have never done.
Nice conversation, guys. You both have good points and something everyone should bring into their realities.
Not only do I whole heartedly agree with your premise and comments, but I think you have said it very well.
For years I too worked in tourism, and the adventure travel business…flying hot air balloons, leading bike tours amongst other things. People would always marvel at how “lucky” I was doing what I did, and then would ask, “but what is your real job”? People just don’t allow themselves to imagine enjoying a “work” they’d enjoy, let alone question the ability to make a living off the [cube] farm. Challenger & Grey, one of the worlds largest HR management firms just released a study that showed that nearly 3/4ths of America’s working employed would like to change or leave their current employer. What does that say about peoples need to feel secure, and fear or venturing beyond the “box”?
That attitude and fear has bred an entire population of people who live in fear of economic ruin, fear of allowing their creativity and desire take them down a road of exploration or innovation which is what our nation, or lives sorely need. That in turn however seems to be breeding a new generation of people (so called Millennials) who are less concerned with the things that have held the generations before it back. Perhaps they will grow the economic resources needed to put their parents generation at ease?
Once these folks all stop feeling economic disaster, perhaps the playfullness, creativity, innovation, and motivation to create a reality of security through innovation and self reliance will return? Maybe people will learn how to have fun without chemical assistance or substance abuse. Maybe they’ll again feel the self confidence and safety to again ride a bike on the road…to where who knows…but it’s gotta be better than being stuck in the same cube farm, same rail trail, same box they’ve been in for far too long.
Great words, Matt. Sounds like we both are on the same page….hope more people join in.