My philosophy.

What I Mean by "Philosophy"

Whether it be religion, contentment, satisfaction, status, or anything and everything else, I'd be willing to wager that we each have something that drives us, something that brings us meaning to this weird thing called life.

Here's my take in forty-six words:

I wrote this one myself, and while it may seem like a collection of aggregated motivational quotes, I truly think that it summarizes the approach I want to exemplify with my own life. Let's break it down.

Analyzing My Worldview Statement

Let the past stay where it belongs — today needs you more.

Since Middle School, I've been faced with the emotional weight of nostalgia. That droning constant of longing for the past, of comparing today to what was, hurts. I've found, though, that nostalgia is a fragile mimicry of the past. It shows you what you want to see — the highlights, the joy, the happiness — while obscuring the sadness or fear that you felt back then. We'll always be able to look back at the past and see it as better, but the mind isn't meant for this; we are here, today, to keep moving forward.

So laugh! Be a silly goose with whimsy.

Be the happiness that our peering into the past returns. We live in a world concerned with appearances — we filter our images and adjust are speech. We hide behind layers of makeup and fabric, thinking that this is what makes us ourselves. No, I say! Be yourself, the true you. That's the best you, and the most lovable you. Dare I say, the only you that can ever exist: one of one. Who cares if you're silly — we should be a little more goofy.

Dream big.

Don't take life seriously, but also don't take it as a guaranteed. We can all do incredible things, and to never allow ourselves to wonder that is an incredible disservice. While only two words here, I think that they are some of the most important words, for those who already embody them need not be reminded, while those who do not are in need of them the most.

Love freely. Be excellent to yourself and others; we're not promised tomorrow.

Regardless of whether you believe we are intrinsically evil or if we are born into an inherently evil world, we see these transgressions all around us. We are greedy; we lie and cheat, deceive and hurt. So how should you respond? Don't. The world needs more love, and you will never know how much you can share if you don't ever try. This extends to yourself, too — the one person who should be on your side. I've struggled with self-esteem and thoughts of self-loathing for years, and if you have, you'll find that every waking moment can become a struggle when your own ally shuns you. So just as I urge you to treat others highly, I beg you to do the same for yourself. 

The final part of this phrase, truthfully, is a reflection of my regret. For years, I wasn't this love that I preach, but my own family has taught me that regret is powerful. Never be that one who causes someone harm, especially because you might not get a second chance. Such is life — it can change in a moment, and I would argue that if you've loved freely, you won't have any regrets in the relationships you've built.

And above all else, embrace life, the most incredible gift we ever receive.

If you take nothing away from the last four points, take this one away; I find that it encompasses everything else I have asserted. We are alive — we have 86 billion neurons firing, 30 trillion cells working in unison. We've formed relationships that run deeply, built on morals and respect that words struggle to truly define. We have the chance to love, and to see nature. We have a single rock floating in space, warm enough to not freeze but cool enough to not boil. 

You're here.

So of everything you can do with what I've said, remember this: you are here. We are here. We all have the luckiest gift of life.

So go live it.