Live And Let Die

Our fears motivate our actions as much as our hopes do. Far too much time goes by worrying about what others think and how they will react. I've usually not cared too much, which gets me regarded as an aloof person. I've found, of late that much of the irrational behaviour that I've encountered recently has its roots in the insecurities that people have.

The fear of 'losing face' is so strong in some that everything else gets forgotten. When I break the behaviour down into this, all I feel is pity of sorts. There's so much more to life than wasting one's time on things beyond one's control. So much to discover, with even your next breath not something that can be taken for granted. Life's true pleasures don't lie in what people say to your face.

I'm sure everyone has his or her own set of parameters that define what makes life worth living. For me it's always come back to being able to create art of some sort, be it in the form of photographs, music or even songs sung in the middle of the night. That, and the people I care deeply about. I've thought much about it, and realized that I don't really need other people to feel fulfilled. The loved ones who are there in my life are cherished more because I care for and want them, not because I need them. The recent solo trip helped me realise how quickly you adapt and become completely self-reliant.

So coming back to the topic, it is troubling that insecurities play such a major part in actions. Overcompensating becomes a way of life, even at the cost of ethical compromise. I'm not sure if I could live with myself if I ever got to that stage. But you never know when life makes you experience things you never thought you would. I hope it never comes to that, and that I have the courage to confront my fears instead of letting them define who I am.

For the moment, the best thing I can say to myself is, "live and let die".