Born to Die
I understand that the title might be a little daunting and maybe not the vibe you need to have on hump day, but hear me out.
In an effort to be respectful to people’s religious practices, let me make it clear that I’m not here to talk divine or higher powers. I only know what I see, read and experience, so that’s what I report on.
With that being said, there is no such thing as “born to be great” or whatever else you’ve read at the beginning of a feature article. It’s a great sentiment to give someone who has already taken steps towards, or reached, a level of mastery in their field. However, as a millennial that’s grown up in a world where the lives of the extraordinary have been well-documented, I feel that my generation has placed too much pressure on ourselves to be great …. now.
Last night, I read the heartbreaking news of Dr. Stephen Hawking, one of the most powerful minds that have ever existed in this universe. the late genius moved mountains in the world of physics and cosmetology. For me, though, he changed the way I looked at intelligence and what it meant to possess mental excellence. At an Oxford University speech in 2016, he shared his views on perseverance.
“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up."
Hawking’s words rang in my head last night while I had a conversation with one of my best friends and biggest inspirations. The pressures of graduating and entering the “real world” are mounting with each passing day, which has caused his confidence to take a backseat to anxiety. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my 21 years on this planet, it’s that he’s not the first and won’t be the last soon-to-be college graduate that feels this way.
In explaining his rationale, he mentioned to me that he sees so many people achieving great things and making notable strides to living fulfilling lives, while he still has no idea what he’s going to do with his own. He continued to say that he doesn’t feel as though he was “born to be great,” at which point I had to put the brakes on — heavy.
Waking up is great. Getting your education is great. Helping anyone is great.
My point here is that this life is a gift. When you look at it with that perspective, it makes the world you live in, and the future you see brighter. Social media and TV have given success and greatness this false sense of equivalency in our minds. As a result too many people are chasing a feeling of fulfillment and not taking advantage of their own opportunities and talents.
Breathe.
To my homie, and to anyone else feeling like they haven’t “figured it out” yet, it’s ok. Whether you’re 22 or 55. Keep that hunger and use it as the fuel to drive you into tomorrow. “It matters that you don’t give up.”
My father recently told me, “I don’t know what success is. Success means that I’m done or finished. This is my life. I’m never finished. I can recognize and appreciate the little wins, but I’m always looking for the next one.”
That’s greatness to me.
