Adjusting to reality

Many of us have had uncertain events or progressions in our lives requiring no small amount of accommodation.  Regrettably some of the episodes have bordered upon catastrophic in nature involving for example serious medical complications or death in the family. Whatever the particular incident, the consequence is always having to live with it. Remarkably it is frequently those who have suffered the most dreadful reverberations who ultimately set an example to the rest of us just how to adjust to reality; while those enduring far less aftermath seemingly wallow in despair, self-pity and utter immobility.  From the perspective however of each one of us, our own repercussion is paramount and seldom do we consider the popular view of our adjustment or interpretation of the initial assault. Reality is in that respect irreverent, insipid and irrespective.

The serendipitous insolvency of life’s dilemmas ensures there is no apt or inconvenient time to adjust to reality, whether young or old, rich or poor. Distress like advantage is entirely random. Though none of us imagines we’re playing a crap game when witnessing the unfolding of our lives, we can unwittingly and precipitously be reminded that we are. Strangely it can and often does transpire that what once was considered grievous translates instead to advantage and benefit.  Such is fortuity. The wheels of fortune are controlled by chance occurrence on every level, at every moment in time. What goes up goes down and vice-versa.

The paradox is the adjustment to reality – which is gobbledygook for getting a thrill out of the present. Verisimilitude is never a past or future event; it is always very much the real world, real life,  as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of the state of things as they actually exist. However – and here comes the qualification – within the embryo of every element of anquish there exists a molecule of happiness and contentment.  Nurturing that ingredient is no more obscure or implausible than strengthening an inborn talent. And each is as manifestly powerful.

Among the adjustments required to capitalize upon reality are some tedious and unglamorous obligations. I am disheartened to recall the suicide of a young friend who, although having everything in his favour concerning health and family, faced impending bankruptcy. His perceived dishonour of that destiny was too much for him to bear and he shot himself in the head. I have never fully recovered from his loss because it was to me so patently wasteful and improper, so exceedingly pointless. But for him clearly it was overwhelming. The violence of his failure or inability to adjust to reality exemplifies the importance to address the alternative whatever one’s present circumstances. If nothing else, death will get us in the end no matter what so it hardly makes sense to hurry the evolution. Any other distortion of the facts required to avert such painful result is tolerable.

It may be that the truth is not pretty.  That at least is the most inadequate outcome. For my part I am intent upon glamourizing my currency, the glass half-full, the better day tomorrow, the thank gawd for what I have, whatever it takes! Indeed I derive a degree of gusto from the dogfight. I have forever revelled in the opportunity to rejig a circumstance by alteration. It is not a guaranteed transformation.  It may require the bother of patience (my least notable characteristic) and understanding (a close second). But determination is the very fabric of my existence! Granted it may be founded on no more than bloodymindedness but it sustains me in my inexpressible favour.

The possibility of fabrication is not the most desirable avenue; nor is it one which my obsessively logical mind willingly tolerates. But the distinction between reality and fabrication is in many instances unremarkable. This is not to suggest that an air-head approach is recommended; rather that what one sees and how one sees it are governable perceptions. Succumbing to Nature’s inexplicable renditions is not something to be viewed as a defeat but rather as an opportunity.