Make it worth it

In one of our chats, Rumbie Chigama said, "I don't like growing up, it comes with this routine of going to work and paying bills. It's more of responsibility with less fun.." On her birthday, a few weeks ago, she said, "old is a state of mind, 26 feels sexy and sassy". So, for most of the people I know, we get to this point where we seek to avoid being "stuck" in "commitments" that kill our youthful "free spirit".

When I was talking to Rumbie, she pointed out how adult life can feel like a rat race. Where is the pleasure in all the labor, and where is the freedom in all this responsibility and commitment? According to Rumbie, the answer is purpose. When you find your purpose in life, you don't just age you mature. I called it meaning. You become responsible for things because they matter to you. You accept what comes to you because it means something to you and you give it your all.

Recently my young brother asked me to help him find a way to "escape" his responsibilities so that he can pursue his passion for music. He was in some kind of trap where he didn't like his job but he needed the money. I told him that life is like riding a bicycle. You put effort on the gear with pedals (the crank) even though you want to move the rear wheel. You trade your effort for what you want;  you use what you have to gain what you need.

Passion runs wild when you are young. After talking to many aspiring musicians I have seen how passion for the art can drive someone too far outside work or the initial plans. So while it is good to maintain a lively spirit it is also good to find stability in commitment and responsibility.