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Just Don’t Stand Still
I’ve been thinking lately about the passion of a college student and the abilities of a grown, educated adult.
Inspiration seems to leak out of the working-class population as the nine-to-five (or six) wears us out, and leaves us thirsting for the weekend and less responsibility. My generation was told that we could be whatever we want to be. Unrealistically, and with the instant-gratification mindset (thanks to technology), we believed that if we could dream it, it would be achieved. Now don’t get me wrong, that principle in itself is the American Dream. But, it’s not that easy. And it’s certainly not that quick.
There is so much diligence, savviness, conversation, prayer, risk, grind, and belief that leads a great dream to a realistic success.
There just is.
What I think happens is, we see this work, and we get scared. We get comfortable in our day-to-day “getting by”. And that’s OK for some. But not for the dreamers. Not the ones who yearn for more.
The truth is, we will work hard no matter what. And maybe the idea of failure is the obstacle; but what’s the alternative? Not trying. Not seizing, and sulking while we watch others do the very tasks we want to be doing.
I tend to get caught up in half-truths. I think, “Oh, it’s hard, so it’s not worth it.” Well, yes, it is hard, but on the other hand, that’s why it is worth it.
I spoke with a girl in my office today; we talked about time, and aging, the confusion of our twenties, and the potential we both know that we have. She made a great point: today is our youngest and oldest day. The present is all we have to choose forward motion, or the status quo. Every day we get to choose. We don’t need to blame our past mistakes, or even dwell on our past successes.
The question to ask is, what are we doing now?
Just remember: the best really is yet to come. We become wiser, lovelier even. Seek to aspire, inspire, and to pull the trigger. We are all able. The world desperately needs good people out there, doing good work in all areas. And we are the ones to do it. Little steps are the best ones because collectively, they make us reach our destination.
Whatever you do, just don’t stand still.
