The Grind

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." - Mother Theresa 

Frequently when you have conversations with your friends and have the universal conversation kick-starter: "How are you doing?" or "How have you been?" The answer always seems to be the same: "I'm doing fine." But what does it mean to be just fine? 

To me, life is a grind. After a while it becomes a routine mush of going through the motions of daily life whether that be going to school, paying the bills, going to bed, and resetting the cycle the next day. No doubt, some people have more exciting, adventurous lives; however, for the overwhelming majority of us, we have to live with the "alright" rather than "great" status.

I'm interested in this feeling because there are many different ways to look at whether alright is really "alright" status for humanity to be in. Some argue that being alright or great is a matter of perspective. If you modify your perspective and look at the brighter side of things you will be more than alright, and that mentality will become your reality. Although, others have argued that the lack of feeling is the best way to approach live, since desire produces unhappiness.

I would contend that the greatest fulfillment in life comes from spiritual fulfillment. I know this from experience since I am a Christian. There is no greater feeling knowing that you are saved and have a place in Heaven. 

There is another fulfillment that is lesser than the one mentioned above. This fulfillment is from making some positive impact. If someone makes an impact, then he or she will be more satisfied with his or her life. However, it is dangerous to define your self-worth by impact, because if you do not make the impact that you wanted, you will be left unsatisfied. My philosophy is that one should realize, as Mother Theresa did, that every positive act or contribution to society is like a raindrop in an ocean. Even though the raindrop seems unsubstantial, cumulatively all of the positive acts, all of the raindrops, make a huge contribution to the positive development of society, the world, and brings humanity forward.

Sincerely,
Nathan

Introduction

I created this blog to provide a medium of expression for myself to the world. I think it is healthy to take time to think and reflect about one's life since we live in a complex, digital age where we are bombarded with tasks and information that we do not have time to process in our day-to-day busy lives.

A little bit about myself: I am currently a college student and have a lovely girlfriend. My life is by no means perfect, but I try to enjoy the simple things in life: a meal with a friend, a deep and meaningful conversation, and a trip to the beach.

I love to travel, to take risks and to go on an exciting adventure. I've started a company with a few of my friends called Envisio, LLC. We produce electronic accessories. I love people, and have a passion for organizing people and resources to start something new and to accomplish challenges previously deemed impossible. 

Now that I'm transitioning from a teenager to young adulthood I've been thinking a lot about the transience of life. I enjoy life, and feel as if just yesterday I was a kid playing video games with my friends, waiting for recess and lunch and school.

The most fearful thing that has been at the back of my mind as I'm getting older is death.

I used to fear death, but the more I experience life the more I realize that its limits make the moments in between our birth and inevitable demise all the more worthwhile and precious.

If there was no death, we human beings would not value life anymore than we sand or the ocean, which we have too much of. 

My goal is to live life to its fullest, to make the most of it, and to make a positive difference for those around me. I don't know my future or my fate, but I would like to put 110% of my effort into orienting my present, despite my failures and shortcomings, to optimize my future.

My friend once told me, "Look at the present as if you were looking at a memory in the past, from the perspective of the future". I thought his advice was profound in that if we look at the present as a memory in the making, then we will treasure it and make the present as good of an experience as possible, so that we can enjoy this memory to its fullest later on.

Until next time,
Nathan