Life happens in movement. It’s the moving forward and doing things in the real world that leads to development and growth, and that’s what humans are expected to do. That’s what makes for a healthy individual that will someday grow into a healthy adult.
This means, that especially when we’re young and should be true as well of everyone until their last breath on earth, that movement implies new paths being explored. Whether that’s new skills and capabilities we aim to acquire or the act of getting better at the ones we already started our learning path for.
And the thing with new paths, is they imply that the path will be uncleared. Others may have done it and we may be able to learn from others experience to help clearing it for ourselves easier or simpler, but it’s still up to us to do the work and unclear the path ahead. That’s what living is. That’s what makes life worth living.
Not seating in our couches playing video games all day. There’s time and place for that, for sure. But a life worth living, a life of meaning, self-exploration and growth that leads to good mental health and bodily ability, has to be more than that. It has to unclear paths.
Xenophon, a student of Socrates, recounts a conversation Socrates had with someone who told him they had no interest in physical training. This is what he allegedly responded:
“It is a disgrace to grow old through sheer carelessness before seeing what manner of man you may become by developing your bodily strength and beauty to their highest limit. But you cannot see that, if you are careless; for it will not come of its own accord.”
It will not come of its own accord. Rafael, you’re the one who needs to clear that path. We all do if we are to be the best version of ourselves, for us and for everyone who depends on or needs our support. Our families, our friends, and anyone we can inspire to become better themselves. It’s work worth doing.
