Mere Mortals

In preparing for my interview in Madison on Tuesday, it crossed my mind that none of us really plan, or rather, have the option of choosing when and how we will die. All we can do is determine the approximate lifestyle we would like to live and then our actions, choices, and decisions will hopefully lead to satisfaction.

The way I see it there are three general lifestyles to choose from. I thought I would list off the pros and cons of each while I'm at it.

1. Fanatic: Healthy and aware of all decisions. Dedicated, motivated, and driven. Rarely makes bad decisions and often maintains long-term goals. Confident and often viewed as an overachiever. May die alone or with many.

Pros: Will usually do well financially. Understands how the world works. Sets children for success. Travels and experiences the finer things in life. Is involved in the world and community. Has the pleasure of accomplishments. Hopefully will live long and healthy life...but that is certainly not guaranteed.

Cons: Most likely will require some counseling to deal with their overachiever issues. May not relate to the rest of the world--poor, underprivileged. Their children may not love them because they weren't there for them while growing up.

2. Average Joe: Kinda waffles through life making mistakes here and there.
Doesn't really do anything wrong but doesn't do anything amazing. A consumer rather than an inventor. Has a couple of kids, does alright financially and dies relatively happy. Dies with many.

Pros: Easily entertained. Enjoys the simple life and a vacation each year to Disneyland or camping. Loves television. Appearance of a solid family life. Not constantly worried of what people think of them.

Cons: Will have heart and fitness problems from eating McDonalds over the years. Will never know the finer things in life. Will often be referred to as average. Will not leave a mark. Will probably be tempted to cheat on significant other just once; will act on the opportunity and regret it for the rest of his/her life. Fears the nightly news.

3. Meth Head: Constantly making bad choices. Lives for the moment and does not have any long-term goals.

Pros: No one will rely on this person. Considers self to be highly intelligent--even more when all doped up. Happily moves along with lots of financial support from the government. Easily entertained by macaroni and shiny objects. Deliriously ignorant to world events.

Cons: Will be very very sick. Most likely dies at a young age. Never any solid foundation in life. Never any long-term satisfaction. Will be terribly alone. Will spend time behind bars. Wastes the gift of life.

The point of my post is that we can't choose when we will die or how it will happen, but we can choose what kind of a person to be along the way.