When you’re a kid, you spend a lot of time pursuing the things that you think will one day mean something–things so desirous that they come to dominate our thoughts, words, and deeds for months and, in some instances, even years at a time.
Driven by our goals, we engage in a sort of relentless chase; all the while undeterred by obstacles and setbacks. And when the desires of our hearts are at last achieved, we revel in a sense of self-satisfaction–and the experience is made even more sweet if the sacrifices were extreme.
But the funny thing about life is that sometimes we learn by looking back.
And for many, there comes a distinct point in time when the veil is finally lifted and, fully illuminated, we can see our past accomplishments for what they really are–empty, meaningless, and self-centered pursuits that have produced little of lasting value.
In a bitter revelation that goes down with the consistency of razor blades, we come to the realization that the fortunes we chased were only a mirage. Sadly, after years of toil and struggle, we are left with nothing more than regret and remorse knowing that we have squandered some of the most precious days of our youth.
But, thankfully, experience is the greatest of all teachers. And through painful and heartfelt reflection, we better understand the need to examine more closely the desires of our hearts and the pursuits which are truly worthy of our energies.
Wiser for having gone through this experience, we vow to make sure that the fortunes that we seek in the future are the ones that we, indeed, truly need.
Leave a note.