I can’t imagine what life might be like for those who have never faced thoughts of suicide or periods of depression. But if offered such a life of unremittent sunshine, I would certainly refuse it. To live well in the midst of a whirlwind is my idea of joy. I feel most myself and most Read More
Category: Columns
Ori Gutin on Having a Sense that What You Do Every Day Has Some Greater Meaning than Just Your Own Human Existence
If you could give advice to your 15 year old self, what would it be?
Not to believe anything with absolute certainty, whether about yourself, others, or the world. I’m only a little bit over a decade past 15, and even in the last ten years I’ve had what appeared to be foundational beliefs about myself and life shattered numerous times. It’s easy to see things from a lens of certainty and permanency, as if nothing could possibly happen to change what you think, but from this inflexible mindset, you are ripe to miss out on opportunities to grow, expand, and learn. It is not a sign of weakness to express uncertainty in a plan, a belief, or an opinion, but rather a sign of wisdom and maturity – a recognition that there are unknowns at play that you have not yet begun to consider, and that you do not have all the answers. Be humble. Stay open.
I write this advice not from the vantage point of someone who has mastered this skill, but rather as someone who still struggles with this readily, and will likely do so for a lifetime.