You are going to die. One day, you aren’t going to wake up; your loved-ones will mourn while the world goes on. Soon after, they will jump back in to the ever-changing world and you will be a memory. That’s all we’re guaranteed.
Just the other day, I was thinking about something that occurred in 1997. In my mind, that wasn’t long ago. Well, Matt, that was a decade ago; it passed as fast as the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. That got me thinking: a couple of more of those little spans and I’ll be 40. Then what? What am I going to do with my life that will make any lasting difference?
After all, isn’t that what we all want to do: to make a difference? I believe the answer, while potentially complex, is actually quite simple.
In the 1991 film, “City Slickers,” Mitch is looking for purpose in his life. When he asks Curly, the tough ranch hand, what matters in life, Curly holds up one finger. That finger represents something different to everyone. Perhaps that’s the beauty of it. You have to do that one thing you were meant to do.
Most of us struggle, if only from time to time, over what exactly it is we are meant to do. We have direction provided to us if we only choose to listen. What is your passion? I once heard the word “passion” defined as the one thing you couldn’t live without doing. Find that one thing then act on it.
I feel that the only life worth living is a life of passion. If you just mope around every day, semi-happy with what you are doing, you might need to rethink your life.
If your passion is to see the world, buy a plane ticket; if your passion is to be a movie star, get out of this place; if your passion is to start over, go to Boston; or wherever. Just do it. I dare you to be happy.
I’m going to be realistic: most people who are unhappy in college are just going to stick it out, which can be a rewarding thing for some. For others, happiness might require more drastic measures. Seriously, with your one shot, do you want to be here at Oklahoma State reading this paper? If yes, then stay; if no, fly away. Once again, I flat out, double-dog dare you to live a life you are happy with. You owe it to yourself; don’t you dare cheat the person who looks back at you every morning, day and night in the mirror, begging you to give him or her a shot.
I’m sure you’ve all heard it said, “Today begins the rest of your life.” It does. You can rot in unhappiness or you can flourish elsewhere. For those of you who are truly happy, do your thing. For those of you who aren’t, please re-think your life.
The other day, a friend told me about an old man at his church who gave him advice: “When I die, I want to go doing something I love; not something I like; not something I hate. That’s how people waste away. You only get one shot at life. I suggest you take it. If you don’t, it will take a shot at you.”
Life isn’t easy; sometimes it whips you, sometimes you whip it, but it’ll always get you in the end. You might as well go down swinging.
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Wow, such insightful thoughts coach. Admitting the use of cliches does not make them more effective or less offensive. Forgive my harsh sentiments, but it seems few college students need/desire to hear “chin up” speeches from one who likely has no more life experience than any other. I realize the level of annoyance that I protrude likely seems excessive but I would rather read an opinion piece with which I completely disagree with the author’s point than a generic motivational (possibly self-righteous) sermon.
Before I read this column, I was considering becoming an alcoholic in order to cope with the pain that is life. But now, every time I start hurting, I’ll just read this column instead.
Just kidding! Listen here buddy, speak for yourself–I ain’t gonna die. It’s called cryogenics my friend, cryogenics.
I think it’s a great column. It does what an opinion column should; it makes you think. Jake M. probably has no idea how much or little life experience you have had. I liked it. A chin-up column is in order every now and then to balance the completely pessimistic views of the opinion writers.