Hi Friend
After reading the hardest, most interesting book of my life – Thinking Fast & Slow, I needed a break from non-fiction. I perused my kids books shelves and came across the first Harry Potter book. I liked the movies, but had never read the books. I don’t really read much fiction, but was looking for something easy and enjoyable so I dove in. That was about seven weeks ago.
I’m three-quarters of the way through the final book and will finish it today. It’s been interesting to already have the images of people and places in my mind when I read. It’s been forever since I’ve watched the movies, but the visuals pop back in my mind like Voldemort’s thoughts seizing Harry’s. I’m not using my imagination. Instead, my memories paint the written scenes.
The movies did an excellent job, vividly capturing accurately most of the story; though I don’t recall Percy Weasley at all, who played prominently in the first four books.
I also haven’t found a deeper meaning or grand social statement. I’m taking the stories, dialogue and characters at face value and enjoying the ride. Certainly I would support Hermione’s S.P.E.W efforts, but I haven’t discovered layered commentary about the world’s woes. Then again, I’m not looking for it.
What’s most curious is that even though I know how it will conclude, the stories and scenes grip my attention and keep me reading. The language, phrasing and rhythm of the words are uniquely wonderful. I’m frequently looking for opportunities to say “You’re a git.”
Knowing the end doesn’t undermine the story getting there.
You and I find a lot of mystery in our future. We certainly didn’t imagine a year ago this is where we would be. When we imagine five years from now, it’s hopeful conjecture at best. Ten years from now, we concede we literally have no idea.
There’s a great quote about how to know the future is to create it. Often though, the present is quite demanding and the past sometimes haunting, leaving little time or effort for future scheming. Depending on how far we go into the future, we all arrive at the same conclusion. I know how my story ends on earth. I die. You do too. Sorry bout that. I hope it’s not too painful.
But it’s the details that keep us fascinated by our own, and each other, journey. Do you scroll TikTok? I get why it’s so enthralling. We’re offered a momentary glimpse into other people’s lives and efforts. They’re funny, sad, ridiculous, painful, weird, interesting and more. It’s a brief personality-revealing detail.
Life’s Details
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
Why?
How?
Imagine every day waking up and answering those questions. They can spin in a variety of directions, but if we utilize them we’ll script a fascinating story. They each possess unlimited power/potential.
Who do I want to be? Who should I reach out to? Who is important to me? Who needs me?
What is the priority today? What do I want to accomplish? What feels right? What is good?
Where do I want to end up? Where should I go next? Where do I belong? Where can I give?
When should I stop/start? When will I decide? When does it matter? When can I go?
Why am I doing this? Why should I persist? Why do I care? Why should I involve others?
How can I serve? How can I accomplish? How will I get there? How will I know?
Harry’s great frustration in this last book is that Dumbledore didn’t leave clear instructions. “Why didn’t he just tell me what to do!?!” He had the personal capacity, the necessary tools and the right relationships to realize his destiny and achieve his purpose, yet he was frequently angry. We muggles struggle similarly.
Navigating our own way forward is hard. Creating the future requires intentional energy. The majority of humanity simply lets someone else do it, riding along as a passenger.
Besides dancing and mirror wipes, what I see most on TikTok is lip-syncing. Not singing, but simply pretending to say funny things. They use someone else’s “sounds” to express themselves. They are spot on too. It’s hard to tell if it’s their voice or someone else. It’s easier to imitate than create.
Today is yesterday’s future. You and I will keep showing up until we reach the end. Giving attention to the details this 24 hours IS HOW we create the tomorrow we want.
Instigating Ideas
1. Write out three detailed questions to ask yourself daily.
2. If you’re currently reading fiction, make your next book selection non-fiction. And vice versa.
3. Generate a list of your capacity, tools and relationships. How are you not leveraging them?
4. If you’re blaming someone else for your frustration, stop.
In this season, we’re all just trying to stay afloat. What I know about us humans is that, long after this season has passed, we can still justify behaviors we adopted now. We are each The Chosen One for our own life’s mission. Let’s work a little magic, being mindful of the details today we’re pursuing.
I dare you to create a process that keeps your eyes on the essential details that move you forward. I would love to hear a question or two that you ask yourself regularly that leads you to the future you want. Please Share.
Imagination vs. Memory vs. Copy
I referenced this up top, but didn’t have room to come back to it. One of the challenges we face when moving forward into our future is where we choose to create from.
Imagination offers the most rewarding return and the most work. Memory offers convenience and safety. Copying offers ease and emptiness.
The latter two limit growth potential, if any at all. Imagination is the most difficult because it takes us beyond ourself.
Our best future is tied directly to our willingness to imagine and believe. It feels magical to realize dreams can come true, when they are fueled by our imagination.