Life? Oh! It’s Just A Bumpy Ride.

If mountains had smooth surfaces, no one would be able to climb them.

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer — Albert Camus

I remember those baby steps of pain, the ones that paved the way for the confident strides we take today. It’s funny how we forget the falls, the wobbles, and the outright tumbles of our earliest attempts at walking. Were they painful? Maybe. But what stands out more in my memory is the look of sheer determination on my tiny face, eyes fixed on my mum, who stood just a few feet away, arms open and ready to catch me. She was always there, cheering me on with every shaky step I took.

I can’t say I recall the fear, but I do remember the excitement – the kind that bubbled up every time I saw mum return from the market. She’d have a colorful rattle in hand, or a soft, jingling plush toy, and I knew it was for me. That’s when I’d pull myself up, ignoring the stinging in my palms and the ache in my knees, determined to reach her and claim my prize.

And oh, the many times I fell! But each time, there was a hand to help me up – mum’s, dad’s, or even my older sibling’s. They were my safety net, my cheer squad, and my motivators. They taught me that falling isn’t failing; it’s just another step towards success. So here’s to those baby steps, the falls, and the triumphs. They were the beginning of my journey, the first bumps on this bumpy ride we call life.

Every person certainly experienced this very initial bumpy ride that enabled him or her to face life. Life, like those early attempts at walking, is unpredictable. It’s filled with moments that knock us down, that test our strength and our will. But it’s also filled with moments of sheer joy, of achievements that feel as monumental as those first, shaky steps towards mum’s open arms. The toy I reached for as a child, it’s now the goals we set for ourselves, the dreams we chase.

Have you read The Myth Of Sisyphus by Albert Camus? Well I think he got the answer you need to navigate life’s bumby ride.

You know how sometimes you’re just cruising along in life, and suddenly, bam! You hit a pothole? That’s life for you – unpredictable, unexpected, and full of surprises. It’s like we’re all Sisyphus, pushing our boulders up the hill, only to watch them roll back down. But here’s the thing: Camus tells us that’s not necessarily bad. It’s in those moments, when the boulder’s rolling back down, that we really get to know ourselves. We discover our strengths, our resilience, and hey, even our sense of humor. Because sometimes, you’ve just got to laugh at the absurdity of it all, right?

Life Doesn’t Come With Purpose, We Make Those Purposes For Ourselves

So, we’re on this bumpy road, and there’s no map. No GPS to guide us. That’s what Camus is getting at when he talks about ‘the absurd.’ Life doesn’t come with a purpose; we’ve got to make our own. And that’s kind of exciting, isn’t it? It’s like being an artist with a blank canvas, or a chef with a kitchen full of ingredients. You get to mix and match your experiences, your dreams, your values, and voilà – you create a life that’s uniquely yours. Sure, it might not be what you expected, but that’s the beauty of it.

Embrace The Boulder

Let’s face it, nobody likes dealing with problems. But just like an oyster needs a bit of grit to make a pearl, we need challenges to grow. Camus nudges us to embrace the struggle, to keep pushing that boulder, even when it feels pointless. Because it’s not about the boulder reaching the top; it’s about what we learn on the way up. Every setback, every stumble, teaches us something new. And who knows? Maybe the view from the top isn’t the point. Maybe it’s all about the climb. Camus observes that “We get into the habit of living before acquiring the habit of thinking.”

Camus has this optimistic streak, you know? He believes in the stubborn hope that lives in every human heart. It’s what keeps us chasing sunsets, even when we know the night is coming. Happiness isn’t about getting to the top of the hill; it’s about the chase. It’s about the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the feeling of being alive. So, keep chasing those sunsets. Who cares if the night catches up? The chase is where the fun is.

Every time our metaphorical boulder rolls back down the hill, it’s like taking a look in the rearview mirror. What do we see? We see the path we’ve traveled, the obstacles we’ve overcome, and the lessons we’ve learned. Camus tells us to take those reflections, those moments of introspection, and use them to fuel our journey forward. It’s not about mourning the descent; it’s about gearing up for the next climb.

Inside each of us is an inner mountaineer, just waiting to tackle the next peak. Camus’ Sisyphus is the ultimate adventurer, facing each new challenge with determination. Sure, he might never fully understand himself or the mountain he’s climbing, but that’s okay. The adventure lies in the unknown, in the thrill of discovery, and in the joy of the journey. So, strap on those boots and get ready for the next adventure.

In the grand scheme of things, Camus wants us to find joy in our journey, no matter how bumpy it gets. It’s a form of rebellion, a way to thumb our noses at the absurdity of life. Imagine Sisyphus whistling a tune as he pushes his boulder, a smile on his face. That’s the spirit we should all aim for. Because at the end of the day, life’s a bumpy ride, but it’s also an incredible journey. So, let’s enjoy the ride, bumps and all!