I spent some time this morning trying to get caught up on things like Facebook and e-mail - which I have sadly neglected, much to my husband's chagrin. It's easy to see how people become addicted to facebook. I think most of my time was spent looking at friends', and friends of friends' pictures.
Here's what struck me, and perhaps it's even the reason I avoid facebook more often than not: I am a jealous person. I see the things my friends are doing and have done, and I think to myself, "I wanted to be doing that by now." "That's what I wanted to do." Whether it's going to Africa or anywhere else in the world, or flying, or exercising more, or taking classes, I keep realizing that there are so many things that I want to do that I see other people doing.
So I have to ask myself: what's the difference? Why is it that they have been doing all these great things, and I haven't? What is the difference between their situation and mine? What is it that has given them the drive to not only dream these dreams, but also the motivation to go out and do them, while I sit here at home getting bitten by the green-eyed monster?
Perhaps some of it has to do simply with economic situation. But that could easily be used as a cop-out on my part. At the end of the day, if you want something badly enough, you'll do what it takes to get it, and that involves - as the (pic) above so aptly states - lots & lots of work.
So, here's a list of 5 things that I really, really, really want to do, and some idea of the work involved:
1) Learn to fly an airplane. (will take lots of $ - need to earn the cash first)
2) Run a 5K/Mini/Marathon. (will take lots of exercise - need to make this regular)
3) Visit all 7 Continents. (will take $ and time - need to earn those greenbacks)
4) Hike the Grand Canyon. (will take time - need to schedule it)
5) Visit all 50 States. (will take $ and time - but only a few left to go)
I also realize that my attitude begs the question of faith, putting things in God's hands, and being content with what I have/where I am...but that's a subject for another post. ;)
3 comments:
Glad you're still among the digital living :) Some thoughts for you:
1. Three of the five are eminently doable (Marathon, Grand Canyon, and the 50 States - mainly the NW states, right?).
2. The last two of the five require planning/money, but they aren't beyond the realm of possibility.
I think the common thread of all the above is learning to sit down and make actual plans rather than hoping they somehow happen. We haven't the luxury of 'flying by the seat of our pants' as you're fond of saying. But there's a lot we can do with a little planning!
Gwen,
I do the exact same thing on face book. But, I'm making a conscience effort not to anymore (I deactivated my account for like 2 weeks and that broke me of the habit).
Thanks to both of you for your comments! :)
Tory - We will definitely have to sit down and make some of these plans. I liked your suggestion last night of camping in the Grand Canyon! ;) Mayhaps after the Bar Exam?
Katie - I definitely admire your self-control! :) It's easy to forget all the ways in which we're blessed when seeing what others have that we want. Good for you for doing something about it!
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