Part 1: Present Status
Here is a short clip from an old friend of many of ours (surely). This quote from Andy Bernard of the hit NBC Show "The Office" is one that has impacted my life ever since I saw the episode for the first time several years ago.
Says Andrew: "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them."
The good news about why this feels so relevant to myself at the moment is that, well, I believe I am here. I am currently in a time where, despite some of the natural hardships that we all go through during any given point in our lives, I feel that there are still a couple major aspects of my life that I feel are at the best they've ever been. From a successful surgery a few weeks ago that has since saved me from missing out on much of life because of varying levels of crippling pain/discomfort , to the mere fact that my #1 "professional" job right now is to learn all day. Sure, even to these major points, there are some complications and perhaps things could be easier, but although it's a bit of a cliche to say, I'm actually thankful for some of the hardest parts of life that I have gone through so far. Not because of my incessant masochism, but rather because they've helped make dealing with future struggles somewhat more manageable.
I could continue to ramble about my own life but instead I'll jump back to expanding on the topic.
(Quick note: By saying I'm in the time of my life, I don't actually consider this "peaking" by any means. I don't think being young necessarily makes you more happy, just ask...well, a lot of us. I am just acknowledging that there are enough aspects of my life that I can't image being much better, and haven't up until now.)
Part 2: Carl Sagan vs My Dopamine Levels
I am aware of how lucky I am right now in my life and try to remain as appreciative as I can to every sunset, every dog (or cat if you're in the wrong), every good nights rest, and every person I love. However, (now crying and simultaneously laughing as I write this) I cant image something that could hurt worse than saying goodbye to this all.
(Is there a name for "anti-suicidal tendencies"? Perhaps one could consider that a metric of happiness.)
Wonderful. I too wish I could go and find Carl and other admirable humans on a planet somewhere, and then reside there in perpetuity. But perhaps it's enough to know that this, and every time of life on earth, can be the best time of life if we're committed to accepting the gift of life as it's been given... and to paying our gratitude forward.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your surgery has been restorative for you. I can relate!
I, too, am so glad your surgery and recovery were successful! I look forward to staying in touch for many years to come!
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