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Proper perspective can be so elusive

27 July 2010 No Comment

I really struggle with perspective on a daily basis. It is not so much a result of perpetual deep thinking or a consistent metaphysical point of view on everything. Well, sometimes that is the case, but the day-to-day mental grind I often encounter just deals with how I need to approach a given day.

It is safe, in my opinion, to assume that the majority of people over 20 years old deal with this same problem. Of course, a large segment of US society has genuine hardships, whether it is mental illness, physical illness, physical disability, poverty or family issues. I do not fall under any of those classifications (by my definitions) and do make a concerted effort each day to be thankful for my very good fortune.

It is not as if I lack proper perspective, or appreciation for what I view as an extremely fortunate existence. In fact, I pretty much enjoy every single day of my life, which is the single most important aspect to anyone’s existence. However, there are moments each day when I really struggle with my views on the relevance of certain things, and how I need to approach my own agenda.

This conflict is best described as metaphysical in nature, but frustrating with regard to real-time applications. Parts of these moments, usually somewhat fleeting in nature, are intangible – but not always completely nebulous. We all have those moments when we freak out concerning the concept of space and time, the role that religion plays in our world, the pure miracle that life is … and how LeBron James could possible leave Cleveland.

What bothers me is when I take a lot of time to put together a day’s agenda, then as the day progresses certain items just do not seem very substantive. For example, do I really need to wash my car when it will rain soon and wash it for me? Should I just relax at the pub? Why make myself so busy, when I could be extra aware of the passage of time and its inherent pleasure?

Should I stop wasting time applying for jobs I will not get? Or, should I apply for every job possible? These decisions dictate the enjoyment of a day. I suppose it depends on your objectives. My primary goal is to be happy every day, yet I also am eager to move into a new house and consider adding another child to my life. This balance between action and non-action is very delicate, but I do feel that there is a natural method we have for prioritizing matters. It all boils down to how much emphasis one puts on the self, and one’s own tolerance for responsibility.

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