Everyone loves a dramatic plot twist, storytellers thrive off of the shock and unbelief that follows after they mislead the audience. In any story, we loathe the unexpected twist but crave it nonetheless.
Our complicated relationship with ‘the twist’, is that no boring story entertains anyone, but often the twist causes the outcome to be something you didn’t expect or want. So you end up disappointed by both a boring story and the one that doesn’t turn out the way you wanted.
Life is the capricious author that misleads, distracts and twists our storylines. To life, tragedy is just another plot twist, but to us, it’s the ending no one ever wanted. Although life might be unpredictable in its twists and turns, it stays predictable in the sense that every storyline is riddled with them. For this very reason we must live with the expectation that at any moment reality can be ripped from our grasp.
This is why it is so necessary to be present. It is not often that I completely grasp this reality. I don’t even think that I fully know what it means to be completely present. To give yourself unconditionally to a moment requires an attitude towards life that is unwavering and unapologetic.
So acknowledge that life happens, because when it does, it's already too late. Stop living for the day that you reach a hypothetical destination in your life, because your journey leading up to that destination, is life. Stop hiding yourself until you reach your dream body. Stop acting too old for your age. Stop spending so much time in front of a screen. Build relationships, eat pizza, and drink wine. Wherever you are, be there fully, and acknowledge that life is the moment you are in right now. Listen to people when they talk and look at them in their eyes. Indulge in your passions, whatever they may be.
Take life as it comes, be open to a reality that is different from your plans. Enjoy every single second. Stand up for what you believe in. Remember the lessons you’ve learnt along the way. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Challenge yourself and the way you think. Be the main character in your story. Be present in every second. Follow your dreams and work hard, but never make the mistake of taking life too serious. Because at any moment, the capricious author might just rewrite the next page of your story.
The unpredictability of our stories is daunting, but take hope from the idea that the story is never over.
Inspired by the movie ’Life Itself’
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