Letting Go of Goals
It is only late that one musters the courage for what one really knows…when one moves toward a goal it seems impossible that "goallessness as such’’ is the principle of our faith.
-Nietzsche
Getting there is truly more than half the fun. It is almost all the fun. Have you ever noticed that if you set a goal, and then achieve it there is a bit of a letdown? I have experenced this on countless occasions in my life. With money. In sports. In affairs of the heart. Even in a small attempt at fame. Some of my best memories, best parties, best performances musically or athletically, and even lovemaking have occured during totally unplanned spontaneous occasions.
This happens to people all the time. Being in the right place at the right time. Meeting that special someone. Entering an athletic event with no real intention of winning and coming away with top prize. Giving up on meeting the “love of your life”, then suddenly meeting someone and you inexplicably have a strong ethereal connection. Giving up on finding the perfect job, only to be offered a job you love out of thin air. The world is full of mystery.
I am not suggesting we wander life like a ship without a rudder. But I think that life is better lived and enjoyed without some anal agenda. John Lennon said “life is what happens to you, when you are making other plans”. I do not know if that is his quote, but it is a great quote full of truth and irony!!!
Let go the goal of unnecessary riches at other peoples expense.
Give up on the idea of financial wealth. You most likely have as much money as you need. More money always seems to lead to more troubles.
Let go of the idea of being totally self-sufficient. It really is unachievable and you may end up destroying your relationships with others while trying.
Give up on the silly American notion of independance. The world does not work that way. The world is relational and interdependant. And your friends want to help you!!
Forget true love. Love, if it is romantic, is never strictly speaking, true. And if it is not romantic, it is not true love.
Let go the goal of happiness. That sweet bird lights only when least expected.
Give up on fame. It’s a concave mirror that distorts as it amplifies.
If this was from a preacher he would make little money. Who am I to tell people to give up on goals. Don’t give up on hope. That’s different. But there is no big need to “SQUEEZE” and yank and toil and boil towards some silly pot of gold at the end of a fictiousness rainbow!!
It is when we stop fighting that peace comes wandering in.
