Occasionally, while treading this creative path, I venture into a world of philosophy. A time when I try to make sense of life on this dysfunctional planet; hopefully leaving it with some insightful observation or advocacy.
Yesterday, one such pearl of wisdom occurred to me; this relating to the upside of enduring stressful life episodes. This awakening coming whilst considering the fact diamonds are created when high pressure and temperature cause oppressed minerals to dissolve.
Ah ha, I concluded on thinking further, ‘You’ve gotta have pressure to create a diamond’. A saying which could also relate to how pressured situation can be the catalyst to individual becomes a more valuable humans.
An adage which may provide those feeling great strain a glimmer of respite that the suffering will be worth it in the end. Becoming a diamond in the rough their ultimate prize for the shit storm which engulfs them under the current zeitgeist.
Speaking from experience, I know how constant life pressures can overwhelm. However, I can categorically state those times of stress, strain and anxiety helped turn me into a stronger more resilient human being… Yes, despite the excess body hair, believe it or not I am a human being.
After more than a decade of angst, I’ve come out the other side stronger, tougher and with a great deal more self-love than I previously bore.
Am I a metaphorical diamond?… I’d say, in the rough yeah!… I don’t mean that with hubristic swagger, I need plenty of work to remove the several flaws I carry… However, I have learned undergoing those severe pressures were a necessary evil to get to this metaphorical gem state.
So there you are, the philosopher Gary Strachan posits ‘You’ve gotta have pressure to create a diamond’
To close in a more whimsical mode, here are a few tongue in cheek philosophical lessons I’ve taken from six decades on Earth:-
“If you think loving oneself is difficult, you should try solving a Rubik’s cube!”
“The best things in life are free. Although, if it’s a ‘2 for 1’ offer, you’ll have to pay for one of them”
“There’s no finer poetry than that bestowed from nature’s bounty. The redolence of lavender, the chromatic brio of hydrangea petals, witnessing a bee procuring pollen, all play rhapsodies to one’s senses…… Ladies bottoms aren’t bad either!”
“Never become embarrassed about mixing idioms and metaphors during conversations….. However, if you smoke like a fish you probably need to address your behaviour!”
“In case you were wondering, misogyny isn’t the unmarried daughter of Mr and Mrs Ogyny!”
“Always remember you’re no better or worse than any other human being. Stand tall and look everyone in the eye…… If you’re not tall, bring step ladders and avoid trips to Alton Towers theme park as you’d probably not be allowed on most of the rides.”
“Before one dies, one must live. To live one must suffer. To suffer isn’t optional…. I hope that’s cheered you up!”
“There’s worse existential imposters than facing a firing squad. Death by Payment Protection Insurance cold caller, finding out Santa doesn’t really exist, or a world Marmite shortage to name a few.”
“You’ve never truly lived a full and expansive existence until you have raucously sung ‘Hitler Has Only Got One Ball'”
“It is better to have loved and lost than to have a lass with a face like a clumsy beekeeper!”
“Nothing is ever as bad as it seems…… Or, at least it won’t be once they find a COVID-19 vaccine“
“Two wrongs don’t make a right….. Neither do two lefts!”
“God is not dead. He’s merely in stealth mode.”
“If at first you don’t succeed, display the tenacity of the spider in Robert Burns cave…… If you don’t know that tale, exhibit the persistence of Odysseus….. If that legend means nothing, either look it up, or alternatively just try again!…… Actually, I’d have saved a lot of time if I’d have just penned ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try again’ from the get go, wouldn’t I?”
“Live every day like it’s your last. Sleep heartily like it’s your first. And drink like its your 21st birthday!”…….. Be drink aware though, and don’t overtip if inebriated!“
“When life gives you lemons, if it also bring other key ingredients, make lemonade…… If it doesn’t, use the lemons to throw at tin cans on a wall.”
“Philosophy isn’t simple. The philosopher maybe though!”
“Life is what you make it. Take risks and always carry a hand mirror in the event you need to check if someone’s stopped breathing!”
“Tomorrow’s another day….. But the 43rd October 2020 isn’t!”
“Despite lauded as a font of all knowledge, to avoid physical trauma, Plato tended to shy away from Greek restaurants!”……. Think about it; Plato sounds nearly like plate; ergo items ritually smashed in Greek restaurants…… Blimey, tough audience!
“Although garden birds and ducks appear to cope with the diet, man cannot live by bread alone.”
“Possessions provide short term fulfilment, but longevity of contentment is only achievable by chasing one’s dream!…… Oh, incidentally did I tell you misogyny isn’t the unmarried daughter of Mr and Mrs Ogyny!….. I did; oh, ok!”
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