Rev. Fr. C. Joseph
Counsellor, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama
“To decide whether life is worth living is to answer the fundamental question of philosophy.” -Albert Camus
We are obsessed with what we don't have. We fantasize about where we want to be, who we want to be with and how we would like to see ourselves, all while abandoning the moments, people and places of significance that take place in our lives. There is nothing wrong with wanting change; change is good and necessary, but it doesn't happen overnight. It is a process, rather, which is accomplished over time with transition. The problem we often face with longing for a life different than the one we have is that we treat where we are and where we want to be like an on-and-off switch. We cut off the "now" and turn on the "will be." Making goals and planning to change your scenery should be a process where priorities change and focus sharpens, not one where one life comes to a screeching halt for the other. We’ve all been guilty of taking mental vacations, and we’ve all jumped into the visual snapshot we’ve projected for ourselves. But often, when we pack our mental bags we leave behind our dormant body to go through the monotonous routine of life like a corpse. This shouldn’t be so. Surrendering the life you’re currently living is a dangerous thing. It’s a risky business that leaves us tirelessly running a race, chasing satisfaction on a treadmill, always wanting, but never having. When we make up in our minds that the present isn’t important, it becomes a habitual. The job won’t have enough benefits, one degree will suddenly turn into two and the dream house in California will soon enough become humdrum. If we can’t find happiness where we are, we won’t find it where we want to be. Accomplishments will no longer hold value due to the next goal that's pending. Never become so caught up in where you are going that you fail to appreciate where you are. Every day deservers our acknowledgement and should be taken full advantage of. No matter the condition our lives are currently in, we should understand our purpose in every stage of our lives. There is a reason why we are where we are and ignoring that reason often leads to ignoring the opportunities that lay right in front of us. A large part of appreciating where you are understands that everything is temporary. Who you’re with, where you are, the memories, routine, people and laughs that you enjoy are all momentary. To ditch or discount the life you’re in the middle of living would be foolish because time is fleeting. One day, you may look back to see the grass isn't always as green as advertised. Our ambitions are important. We should always move forward, progressing toward the dreams that are embedded in the fabric of who we are. An important lesson, however, is appreciating the road toward these dreams and ambitions. Loving the struggle, embracing what it takes, understanding your sacrifices and acknowledging those who helped you along the way are all part of the process that will allow us to be better individuals. When we understand the beauty in today and embrace all it has to offer, we will learn how to appreciate the goodness we receive.
Life is monotonous if it has no goal or purpose. When we do not know why we are here or where we are going, then life is full of frustrations and unhappiness. When there is no goal or overall purpose, people generally concentrate on motion. Instead of working toward an ideal, they keep changing the ideal and calling it “progress”. Nearly all people desire progress. Nearly all people fear falling short of their own and others’ expectations. Nearly all people struggle to make their aspirations a reality because of fear, lack of motivation, or a simple lack of understanding on how to realize them. At least one of those handicaps to progress can be surpassed. Knowing the requirements for goals that help progress-seekers achieve can make the fear or the lack of motivation small or non-existent in the face of hope and triumph. Progress, goal completion, and success are ambiguous terms, but each of us knows how to get specific on the things we’d like to improve. It’s applying the specifics, the motivation to change, and dedication to the process that will lead to a resounding, joyful success.
Conclusion: Believe it or not, your life is freaking amazing. Instead of focusing on little things make you upset, and at the end of the day don’t matter, focus on the great things about your life. Think about all the times you've laughed and smiled and been happy. Guaranteed too many times to even think or count. Don’t let a little thing make you feel as if your life isn’t worth it. The good times are too good to focus on the bad. Life is full of romance and thrill when it has one overall purpose, namely, to be one with a Life that is personal enough to be a Father; one with Truth that is Personal enough to be the Wisdom from whence come all Art and Science; and one that is Personal enough to be a Love that is a “Passionless Passion, a wild Tranquility”.
“Life is Worth Living when we live each day to become closer to God. When you have said your prayers, offered your actions in union with God, continue to enjoy……” Fulton J. Sheen
