The beauty of life is in its contrast. I once attended the pre-wedding celebration ceremony for my cousin, emotions of joy ran high. But one small detail caught my eye, and I couldn’t help but ponder on it deeply. My cousin who was the groom wiped a tear from his father’s eye, and as I witnessed that, I was in awe at how beautiful the contrast of life is. That tear resembled happiness and sadness all in one beautiful, swift moment. The sadness of a now empty room in an echoing home, and the happiness for his son’s happiness. A son who was once a boy, now a dapper man, a groom in a black and white suit, entering a new chapter of his life.

Obsession is an interesting limbo between either going so low that you’re unrecognizable or so high that you reach for the stars. And the middle ground does overlap, but how do we tell? You read stories and watch interviews of legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Mike Tyson, Elon Musk and Steve Jobs and they all shared that obsession. The obsession to be the greatest in their field or ring or their desire to produce extraordinary technology. But serial killers and war criminals were obsessive also, obsessed with dogma or sinister pursuits.

It is common when someone goes through catastrophic changes in their life to turn to extreme pursuits, whether that is self-improvement, or business endeavours, or extreme physical activities. But it is just as vital to remember to live as you pursue these endeavours. You see, self-improvement is a path every human should undertake if they want to reach their full potential, but they must act on their ideas and what they read. There is no point sitting in your cubicle at work reading a book on building relationships, and at the same time you’re skipping a team lunch happening in the kitchen of your office (yes I witnessed this happen). The most fulfilling thing as a human being is not getting better or making more money, it is experiencing life and living it. The most rewarding thing is being of service to others, being remembered with joy.

Just like the wedding example, it displays the contrast of life so eloquently. But if we read between the lines, it also displays the transient nature of life. It is temporary and constantly moving, a father grows old and his son is now a man. A car full of teenagers flies down the highway past you with music blaring. In the opposite lane a hearse carries the body of a man who once was, on his way to his eternal resting place. Everything is temporary, people, places, jobs, situations, and everyone is so complex and has their own worries, pains, dreams, memories and aspirations. So, reach for the stars yes. Try to make as much money as possible, learn and read as much as you can, get physically fit and smash your fitness goals. But while you do all of this, remember to live. Never say no to an outing, don’t skip social events with loved ones, be there for your family and friends. Create a healthy contrast and beautify your life in the process. I’m not against obsession so to speak but know that whatever side of the obsession spectrum you choose, it will come at a price. And in life, your currency is time, there will be no refunds.

All the Best

H