To Be or Not To Be: Humbled

When we are privileged enough to recognize the potential of a potential future, the choice of ‘doing’ should never be underestimated.

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If there's anything that can remind you of just how small you are, it's the universe. Literally.

I used to believe that living life with a strong-willed mind would keep me away from places I never wanted to be—a living, breathing NPC (Non-Playable Character). I thought that by following all the rules (even though life rarely comes with clear-cut instructions for decision-making), things would inevitably turn out great. But, as we all witnessed during the pandemic, life doesn't always consider our carefully crafted plans. When those plans crumble, we're left questioning ourselves. We often perceive our missteps as ‘failure’, but could it be that they are just redirections?

I refer to the pandemic because it was an unfortunate global experience that we all shared. Our world is filled with so much hate, tragedy, negativity, and suffering—coming in droplets, waves, or floods. At times, especially in our darkest hours, it can be challenging to find purpose. What is the point of anything when there seems to be nothing to find peace in? It's difficult to appreciate the good in our lives when everything around us feels catastrophic and gut-wrenching, making us feel hopeless and insignificant.

It can be hard when in a position of ‘more fortunate’ to feel appreciative of what good you have in your life. Especially when it can almost feel criminal to celebrate moments of happiness when the room (world) doesn't seem to be reading well. While it's true that we can't carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, carrying compassion and letting go of ignorance is something humanity, despite many centuries of civilization, has yet to fully grasp. Many people choose to read the room and help others understand it, while others clamp the book shut. People may not be able to dictate what we should think, but they can guide us in how to think. So, the key lies in using your own discernment.

I try my best, personally, to not be insensitive in any way I can, and that comes hand in hand with respect. Processing everything all at once and trying to solve the world’s can be overwhelming when there is so much you would love to change to make the world a better place. However, it often feels as though life is a relentless stream, and we're avidly floating through it, struggling and stumbling to find our footing. Just when we think we've achieved some balance, life's challenges threaten to swallow us whole.

It is often said that we can not control the environment that we are born into—that only we can change the trajectory of our lives. At times, our initial circumstances can stifle our potential. We strive to make the most out of the lives we have and strive towards a future that delivers on the promises we seek. When we are privileged enough to recognize the potential of that future, the choice of ‘doing’ should never be underestimated.

There really are bigger issues in the world, and worrying about things going wrong, things outside our control, is not the best way to overcome challenges. But it is hard not to. I used to believe that certain situations were beyond me. I'd think, 'That could never be me.' Yet, in a universe of infinite possibilities, it turns out there's a way it could be me (and it was/is). I used to equate deviations from my plans with personal failure. I mistakenly measured my success by what I didn't achieve, and that was a rather immature and pessimistic way of thinking.

We envision our lives to suit our needs and aspirations, influenced by the muses we collect throughout our lifetime. Throughout said lifetime, needs change, muses change and so do our aspirations. Those apply to others too. The needs of others change, as do their circumstances, but how much grace do we give them?

Our world today feels like a glass house, doesn't it? What isn't exposed? We constantly consume petty information about people who aren't even part of our immediate lives—from social media to reality TV and unhinged podcasts. Whenever we get a chance to dissect someone else's life and choices, we pounce on it like TMZ. But here's the thing, it's not just about gossip; it's about the karma that often accompanies it. We're all guilty of it. Gossip is, admittedly, rather sweet

Our choices shape the outcomes we face, and when we hold the belief that everything happens for a reason, it's crucial to remember that these reasons aren't meant for others to judge. I've certainly made my share of questionable decisions, ones that could easily lead to embarrassment and deep contemplation.

Whether we desire it or not, life has a way of humbling us. We aren't born into this world knowing how to navigate it. This is why building a strong support system is so important. Choose to surround yourself with those who genuinely wish the best for you, not those who treat your life as if you were just a character in their personal story mode.

While your choices do not need to be hidden, they should remain private.

When I previously mentioned being a non-playable character, I truly meant it. I arrogantly refused to take certain risks in life because I had witnessed others take risks and experience outcomes that I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle. On the flip side, there were certain outcomes I desired, but they required risks I wasn't prepared to take. The thought of taking a risk and failing seemed too humiliating. The fear of humiliation far outweighed the slim chance of everything turning out just fine. Notice that I said 'fine' instead of 'succeed.' We often tend to view our choices in black-and-white terms.

I fear I may be veering off-topic by delving into risk-taking, which could be a topic for exploration on its own.

What I'm trying to say is that experiencing humility doesn't equate to disgrace. It offers us an opportunity to express gratitude, even when the outcome could have swayed in any direction. Even when life takes unexpected turns, you'll find a way to overcome it.

This isn't me suggesting that we should recklessly destabilize the stable aspects of our lives. It's about recognizing that life involves making choices, even amidst uncertainty. There's a possibility of failure and a possibility of success. However, refusing to act and constantly scrutinizing the missteps of others as 'what not to do' doesn't consistently don't always warrant fruitful results. Every person's missteps are uniquely their own. While similarities exist in the world, it's essential to exercise discernment and understand that circumstances vary widely.

When you have the ability to think about tomorrow and the day after that, why waste today feeling exempt from difficulty? We worry so much about making wrong choices. At the end of the day, they are choices with consequences. Dealing with said consequences is how you navigate life, a constant fluctuation of to be or not be—humbled.