4 lines to rule them all

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Heres a visual representation of what your life looks like if you live above the statistical benchmark to the age of 80. Each square here represents one week at an average of 53 weeks per year To some this might seem morbid, but I find it fascinating, humbling. You see a box I see milestones; birth of a child. The passing of a loved one. Graduation. The first paycheck. Marriage. Happiness and sadness and everything in between all rolled into 4 lines connected together. I like to fill in each week as it passes, it serves the following purpose - acts as a reminder on how far I have to go, so I contemplate and reflect on mistakes to learn from them - helps in keeping my self aligned to my values and stick to my smaller seemingly mundane habits that will only benefit me in the long run (like staying active/ keeping relationships) - keeps me grounded on how much I do not know - a constant reminder on not to take small things too seriously as it will all eventually come to an end - lastl...

The Nature of Losing

Human loss can be summed up in two broad categories 

1. Expected loss
2. Unexpected loss

Which is greater? 
Which is more consequential? 
Which is more painful? 

My understanding of the matter is that it is - like most layered phenomena - situational. 


Despite taking the philosophical approach to the matter, a comforting thought that has edged its way through is this: 

You only lose when you accept that you have. Another day, another moment, another opportunity. 

If we believe can shift our mindset and view our failures as not shortcomings, but as experiences (even though admitting that they are those has a negative, acceptance of i-am-not-worthy-so-im-making-an-excuse vibe), then we can try to move forward in life by adopting a growth mindset and pushing through. 

From the nature of my losses, and I have had many in my short life, I have learned that life is anything but a fantasy, it might read out like one, it might sound like one if the narrator is a gifted enough orator. But to truly embody the principles of momentum, of consistent growth and progress, that elevated mindset must be applied to everyday, mundane, boring situations that make up most of our daily lives. 

Learning to separate the emotions from the work, keeping a bigger picture in mind, having goals and visions and wanting to prove yourself to yourself, will allow you to wipe the dust, and reveal the extortionary in the ordinary. 


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