Letters to Myself: Entry Fifty-Four
Prompt: What’s been the biggest surprise in your life’s adventure?
A reflection on one of the bigger surprises in my life’s adventure. I explore ideas of zooming outward when life becomes so overwhelming to making sure to humble yourself in times where you are being pulled in one direction very forcefully.
Reflecting on the adventure that is my life, I think the biggest surprise is just how life operates from an objective perspective. As we carry onward, we get smarter and clever every day; seeing the potential in us to continue to make strides in our own intelligence and philosophy of living. I also think the biggest surprise is just how big the world is, and how many people live in here and operate just like us each day all around the world. Much like the stoic philosophy, zooming out, at least in the current point in my life, has been the biggest surprise or wake up call for me.
It was precisely this that gave me the insight to figure out how to live a life that is meaningful moving in the forward direction. It makes your overwhelming nature calm down; that you are able to find solace once again once you do this surprising exercise. That whatever you are going through right now, imagine you are viewing from the birds point of view; and if you are feeling even more inclined too, zoom out even further to the universe as Marcus Aurelius would say. It makes you realize how small we are compared to the rest of the cosmos. It humbles you to the point where you can find that realization to move forward; to carry out the task or despair that is right in front of you.
That to me is surprising, and something I think about more often than not to really recenter me once again. Like compared to the cosmos, we are just a small speck that exists for a small portion of time; realizing this surprising idea, gives you the confidence to keep moving. To keep pursuing things and to keep trying for the overall body of people around you.
While not every one might not know of this exercise, it is just a constant reminder that we are only here for so long. That life is meant to be lived with the suffering and trials that will come our way; that is how we respond to these events will give us the guidance we are looking for. That all around us, virtues and good nature is taking place; one just has to put down the phone and look around. Break free from the constant, vicious cycle of constant numbness; as if the addiction of technology is leading to our separation from relationships that we have to get back too again. Otherwise, we will all go nuts!
What also has been surprising to me is how things will continue to want to grab our attention; especially right now in the screen culture that exists all around us. Here is a question one can ask themselves if they are feeling uncertain about things: how do you feel about your life right now? Are you happy when you hop on social platforms and scroll for endless amounts of time? Do you feel different when you come out of it? Or better yet, why do you feel inclined to check your phone every second of every day? Do you like it when your brain is always on alert and searching for the next hit; the next piece of clothing; the next product that gives you an effect for potentially a day or two; the next trend that gives you a decent laugh but not long-lasting?
Ask questions! Challenge yourself to look inward and see the things around you! See the beauty in things like bark on a tree; the floor or ground you are standing on, look at the kinds of things that make up that ground or floor; read words in a physical book from an ancient person who existed so long ago; draw or paint something that is speaking to you; internalize the thoughts and write them out, and not just for people to read, but for yourself to take in for your own development.
Don’t always listen to the things that come up in your heavily manipulated algorithm. And sure, it is good to go in there and be apart of the culture, however, remember to find the balance. I have been reading a lot of about screens and what has done to all of us, including my own self. It took me a long time to realize this, but realizing it right now gives you the edge that most don’t or can’t get into. When you start asking questions and reflecting on yourself and what you value, the things that you have deep into your soul that you need to bring to the world. Show your work, do something bold, be different, try new things; break free from the chains that we are all slaves too.
The biggest surprise that I have encountered is how to humble yourself in times where your ego is taking control. Remember, to never let your ego get the best of you and realize how small we are compared to the cosmos. Reflect inward to see that there is more meaning and things around you to take hold. Remember, that a text message does not always have to be sent; remember, that a social media post does not always have to be pushed out; that you have the power to say no whenever you want too; that you can take back the control of your life and get back to what really matters internally to you. Accept this, break free from the chains and begin to live a life that is meaningful, something that will be remembered from those who are born now and after this day. It is your mark for them that gives you the ultimate surprise you were not anticipating. Embrace it!
This post is part of my "Letters to Myself" series — a weekly free-write blog where I explore personal growth, curiosity, and healing through simple prompts. Sometimes reflective, sometimes fun, but always real. Thank you for being here.
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Photo by Kyle Gare
