4.07.2011

Charlie Brown, the philosopher

"I've developed a new philosophy . . . I only dread one day at a time."


Charlie Brown's first appearance was in 1950, and one of my grandma's all time favorites. He fails in almost everything he does, bullied by his dog and friends but he never gives up hope.  

Even though this quote is a glass half empty perspective, it's also very profound. Instead of saying seize the day, Charlie Brown says that instead of dreading the next 50 years, he is only going to focus on tomorrow. He won't worry about what he wants to be when he grows up or who he might marry. Charlie Brown will focus on his baseball team winning (unlikely), if Lucy will hold the football for him, or whether he receives a Valentine (even less likely).

It's easy to get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. We start going through the motions: wake up, shower, breakfast, work, drive home, dinner, sleep, etc. Is it possible to enjoy the moment when each day is dull and predictable? Can you really appreciate a fresh cup of coffee in the morning when you've had it every other morning? What gets you through the day? How is it possible to enjoy the moment if you have to worry about paying rent, getting to work on time, buying groceries, planning a summer vacation?

I think it all comes down to life is what you make it. Are you the type of person to growl about gas prices and the cloudy weather? Or can you be grateful that you are finacially stable to afford a car and gas? Usually I'm not that optimistic but I don't let it ruin my day. Hey, at least it's a start.

My aunt Sue says "Don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff."

In the end, I won't care how much money I make or whether I was five minutes late for a meeting. I will care whether or not I spent time with the people I love, if I laughed and gave hugs and had the confidence to be myself. Charlie Brown is right. Don't worry about the rest of your life. If you're going to worry about anything at all, focus on tomorrow. Believe that everything will all work out in the end.

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