Simplicity

Sometimes certain thoughts arise inside my head; thoughts like - ‘I’m an interesting person’, ‘I’ve got so many clever, niche ideas’, ‘I’m a more complex being than the average Joe’.

Perhaps it’s confidence. Perhaps it’s even somewhat true.

But the more days that pass, and years that add themselves up, I can’t help thinking that I might have sold myself a few illusions.

I find myself surrounded by groups, strangers, new ways of spending time, and I’m reminded of the truth (or the closest thing I’ve ever known to it): that I’m actually pretty much just like everybody else…

Quick detour!

My brother once told me a story of an older guy he worked with at his first ever job, as a teenager, in a window factory. They were sitting together at lunch, drinking a coffee, and he turned round to my brother and said:

“You know what, life’s pretty simple really. You’re born, you eat, shit, try and get laid, have a few drinks, and then die”

End of story. I told you it’d be a quick one…

I love this story (and it still makes me laugh in moments) not because its true - not by any means - but because it attempts to find the simple unarguable truths about all mankind.

And if they’re not the ones suggested here by our older factory friend, then perhaps they’re others.

How about sleep, exercise, water, friendship, purpose, family, play, silence?

They are only words, but there’s something about breaking Life down into bitesize chunks that I can’t help but enjoy!

Try it yourself: use a pie chart or just a simple list… see if you can find those simple ‘parts’ of daily life that make you truly you. Chances are they’ll be pretty much universal.

And if not, then you may have just realised you’re Superman! Awesome! Good for you!

Life is simple actually. It’s so simple that it’s profound. Truly, groundbreakingly, jaw-droppingly profound.

Keep it simple dear readers, and return to your humble list if need be. Sweet simplicity is always nearby; on every roundabout and around every street corner…

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