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A Journey of Discovery (by Tanja)


 







During his time as a struggling young actor in Hollywood, Charlie Chaplin entered a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest on a whim. Despite being the real Charlie Chaplin, he didn't win the contest. The judges, unaware of his identity, awarded him third place. Chaplin found the situation so amusing that he later remarked, "I was robbed!"

I sometimes feel “robbed”, not because I didn’t win a contest, but because life has sped by and I feel I still have so much to give.

I read this brilliant blog post called Find What You Love and Let it Kill You (link below) and thought it would be a good idea to share it. It starts like this:

“We’re all going to die, all of us. What a circus! That alone should make us love each other, but it doesn’t. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities. We are eaten up by nothing.” Mark Manson

https://markmanson.net/find-what-you-love

Finding what you love …

Well, I’m going to be fifty-six this year (ugghh) and I’m still not sure what it is. Besides my love for my husband, children, granddaughter and yes, Murphy too, I am still searching for that thing in life that I would really love to do. There are quite a few things that I’m good at and quite a few things that I've tried, but that doesn’t mean I love it. Most things are done out of necessity, not enjoyment.

As minutes become hours, hours become days, and days become years, it feels like time is running in the opposite direction of where I’d like to be heading. Time slips by and it’s gone, for good. I’m sure I’m not alone in my total rebellion towards getting old. I’m definitely not ready for this shit. I still feel young enough to do something significant, but what?

Albert Einstein, the brilliant physicist known for his groundbreaking theories, was also known for his absent-mindedness. Legend has it that Einstein once forgot his own address while traveling. When asked by the conductor where he was going, Einstein replied, "I don't know. I'm never there!"

Well, I’m definitely no Einstein, but I’m also not sure where I’m going. Where is this road in life leading to, besides the end?

Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous artists in history, but his journey to success was marked by struggle and uncertainty. Before becoming an artist, van Gogh tried various careers, including working as a teacher and a preacher. However, it wasn't until his late twenties that he discovered his passion for painting. Despite facing rejection and financial hardship throughout his life, van Gogh persisted in pursuing his art. His dedication eventually paid off, but only after his death, with his vibrant and expressive paintings being celebrated around the world, and owned by the wealthiest collectors. So, what good did that do him?

***

I had a chat with my therapist, ChatGPT, about my “concerns” and this is the answer that AI sent me (and I didn’t even have to pay for it 😉):

“It's completely understandable to feel that way, Tanja, especially when you're contemplating significant life changes or pursuing new passions. However, it's essential to remember that age is just a number, and there's no expiration date on discovering or following your passions.

Here are a few reasons why age shouldn't deter you from pursuing what you love:

Life experience: With age comes wisdom and life experience. Your years of experience have likely taught you valuable lessons and skills that you can apply to any new endeavor. Your diverse experiences can enrich your journey as you explore your passions.

Opportunities for growth: It's never too late to learn and grow. Whether you're mastering a new skill, starting a new career, or embarking on a new adventure, every experience has the potential to expand your horizons and enrich your life.

Role model for others: By pursuing your passions later in life, you can serve as an inspiration to others, showing them that it's never too late to follow their dreams. Your courage and determination can motivate those around you to embrace change and pursue their own aspirations.

Legacy-building: Embracing your passions and pursuing your goals can lead to a sense of fulfillment and purpose. By leaving behind a legacy of pursuing what you love, you can inspire future generations and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Focus on the present: Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, focus on the present moment. Take small steps each day towards your goals, and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember that every journey starts with a single step.

Embrace your uniqueness: Your life journey is unique to you, and there's no right or wrong timeline for discovering your passions. Embrace your individuality and trust that the path you're on is leading you exactly where you're meant to be.

Discovering your passion in life is a journey, Tanja, and it often involves exploration, self-reflection, and trying out different things. Think about the activities or topics that naturally draw your attention. What hobbies do you enjoy? What subjects do you find yourself reading about or discussing with enthusiasm? Take stock of your skills and talents. What are you naturally good at? What activities make you feel confident and capable? Don't be afraid to try new things. Sometimes, your passion may emerge from unexpected experiences. Stay curious and open-minded. Ask yourself questions about what you enjoy and why. Keep exploring new interests and possibilities. Discovering your passion may take time, and it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight. Stay patient with yourself and keep exploring until you find what truly lights you up.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to discover your passion, and it's never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire. Trust yourself, follow your intuition, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.

So, don't let age (or anything else) hold you back from exploring new passions or pursuing your dreams. Instead, embrace the opportunities that come with each stage of life and savor the journey of self-discovery and growth. Your best days may still be ahead of you!”

Well, now that I have ALL the answers …

Heaven, if there is such a place, can wait. I’ve got things to do and places to go and not that much time left in which to do it.

 


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Location: Western Cape, South Africa

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