Sunday, July 26, 2015

Putting Life in Perspective

Shackleton faced so many uncertainties during his journey and lived in a constant state of being in the unknown. You often hear people talk about how my generation seems to be lost and faces so much uncertainty and it really puts it into perspective for you when you read something like what Shackleton faced. Yes, times can be hard and there are many challenges in this world from school to getting a job to social injustices to changes in cultures, but when you look at the grand scheme of things, we have it very easy. I will be the first to admit it’s hard to look at life that way sometimes. I didn’t have money for college; the only reason I was able to go (this is my last class) was because I worked a full time job in order to cover at least some of the cost. I worked very hard to move up within the company I work for and when I wasn’t busy with that I was doing my best to learn and complete my courses. None of that was easy, and I know many other students who had it far worse, but when you read stories of survival like this one and the courage and strength it takes to get through that when there appears to be no hope, its very humbling.   

1 comment:

  1. Mason,

    I agree with your post on seeing the grand scheme of things in our lives. I believe people do not as often put their lives in perspective with the environment and people around them. The struggles we face in our everyday lives may not seem as struggles for others. Within the culture we live in, it may seem as struggles, but it may not for others. Things such as not having enough money to pay for college classes is also a struggle for myself. It is difficult to make money in today's world, but it can be done. You worked hard for that money and as a result, you are getting a great education. In the grand scheme of reality, people are unable to get an education. I believe we take our lives for granted at times even with our every day struggles. Reading about Shackleton and the journey/struggles that the men had to endure, it really puts into perspective how we seem maybe be dramatic at times about simple struggles such as money. Those men were trying to survive where the odds were greatly against them. The will power and courage used was astounding. The journey has taught me to take my struggles I have everyday head on and to not be afraid of challenges in front of me.

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