The Art of Survival

The Art of Survival.  This phrase is said near the end of the movie American Hustle and I find it to be an apt representation of life.  Isn’t this what the majority of us do, day in and day out – survive?  And the “Art” of that survival is what makes us interesting and unique; it defines our time here on earth.

At this time of year, I particularly feel like our goal is to survive the flu season.  Everywhere on the news (as well as from those around you), you hear about the flu spreading at alarming levels.  Being the anxiety freak that I am, it reminds me of the mantra: “Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!”, except my mantra is: “Stomach Flu, Respiratory Flu, and Strep Throat, ACK!”.  But here’s the thing, the flu season happens every year.  Every. Single. Year.  It takes away a lot of the fear and panic, knowing that we survive this every year and it does not mean the end of civilization as we know it (despite all the scare in the media).

Seasonal illnesses aside, we all have very serious challenges to face at some point in our journey; no one gets through this life free of trials and tragedies.  It boggles my mind when I think of how many hardships people have to survive throughout their lives, such as: deaths, divorce, job loss, money hardships, serious illnesses, as well as addictions.  And the older you get, the more of a survivor you are, the more loss you have endured or witnessed.  It is a shame that the elderly are not held in higher regard in this country; they should be honored and have amazing privileges (the least of which should be excellent health care coverage) for being the survivors that they are! 

There are many diverse survival tactics that get people through their individual life’s journey.  Everyone knows people who have healthy ways of surviving as well as those who have unhealthy ways.  Those struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol have a very difficult survival; whereas those with healthier tactics, such as a passion for something they love (exercising, reading, cooking, etc.), have an easier survival.  But no matter what your tools are, life can sometimes feel like you are merely surviving the daily drudgeries.  This is where I struggle.  Life isn’t all about good times and having fun.  There are many times when life seems to be endless days of work, housework, raising kids, dealing with illnesses, and being tired.  Apparently those with a strong life’s purpose struggle a lot less.  I wish I could simply buy a ‘life’s purpose’ somewhere; that it was just that easy to find one.  From what I have read, it seems like people who have a strong religious or spiritual belief, have strong life purposes and feel very satisfied with their life’s journey.

One Art of Survival that we all share is Love.  It amazes me just how strong of a motivator this is in human beings.  And it is evident how powerful it is for all of us, by how much it is used as a theme, in everything, from songs, to advertisements, to television shows, movies, and books.  It is all around us, ever present in our everyday life.  Think about how many items are purchased for loved ones; love drives the economy.   And everyone needs love to flourish; we need that connection, that human interaction to thrive.  When people first meet a new love interest, they are literally on a high as if they are on a drug.  They are giddy with happiness and energetic and they see the world through rose-colored glasses.  And isn’t that amazing?  Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could maintain that happy high?  What a friendlier world it would be!  And outside of romantic love, there is the powerful love between family, such as between a parent and child, as well as between close friends.  It makes us more compassionate and kind towards others.  Love truly makes the world a better place for our survival of our time here.

May your survival tools contain love and laughter; may you have a strong passion; may you have a strong life’s purpose.

Surviving the Drudgeries,

Searching for a Purpose,

Me

Motivational Moment:

Today’s Moment is dedicated to my husband, Doug, who is an awesome dad to our three daughters. 

I came across this blog from a very cool, down-to-earth dad, Doyin Richards, via The Huffington Post.  Doyin posted a picture of him doing his daughter’s hair, which went viral.  Check out his inspiring response to all of the positive and negative feedback he received: Doyin Richards Blog