Finally the issue of doing “it” has to rest solely at the feet of eternity. Whether by divine presence or by the unbiased passing of time, we are all judged. Our “works” (or “its”) in this world will be judged, brought to light, examined.
Do they pass the test of time? Are they regarded as useful? Does our story inspire future generations? Or, is our desire to leave a legacy actually part of the problem? Can we write the script for our examiners? What is ours to manage?
Can I do it? A fundamental question of humankind. Yet almost erroneous from the start. The subject and focus of the question is us (the “I”). Can I do it? It assumes sort of an isolated go at the whole thing where we bear all responsibility.
And in today’s corporate understanding of responsibility there is the loaded word “accountability.” People are held responsible to produce certain results or be let go. Trying is not enough. Outcomes demand results, not logged office hours.
But ownership is a good thing. Certainly. We want people to “own” their endeavors. Yes. But what most people mean by that is make sure it works, or succeeds. Hence the hubris and the fear mongering. Can we really know what will work?…
This is the fundamental question of the ages. It reverberates throughout the halls of time. Especially into the future. Do I have what it takes? Am I a contender? Will people recognize my talent? Do I really have talent? Do I have enough?
These are important questions to answer, especially for creative people. Some might argue that even entertaining such questions with consistent intensity is part of the creative process. The answers come back with great uncertainty.
Some will try to scientifically minimize the emotional angst of such questions with simple, probing questions: what is it you are really after? How do you define success? How will you know when you find it? These are meant to help…
So we can re-frame our individual, personal suffering as another form of camaraderie between us. And yet it is only one of many. Even in the midst of our chaos we find profound moments of joy and acceptance at whatever the world may bring.
As we endure hardships we press into some magical space. Exhausted, broken, weary - perfect conditions for a magic spell (which is really just life bringing around a small taste of the harvest for which we long). We have a moment.
And in those moments time does stop.
So clearly humans don’t always get it right. Most of us could come up with a list of the offenses perpetrated against us fairly quick. We know those things have left emotional scars that still bear on who we are. Who are we?
Are we the sum total of those things done to us, especially at young ages? Are we able to wipe free the slate of our childhoods? Can we possibly erase the damage left by our parents? Or is that all part of making us who we actually are?
Are the things that happened to us essential to us?
“Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.” Not quite. Freedom is the ability to choose. It’s having a choice. Being aware of that choice. Beholding that choice. Respecting that choice. That’s freedom, both duty and delight. Too often we have let addicts define freedom. Really. Normally those who talk about and flaunt their freedom have the least. The addict at first, of course, is escaping all the trappings of everyday life in favor of much more heightened existence.
