Life is arguably a Mexican standoff between what you want, what you need (or think you need), and what you get. Unfortunately, what you get always prevails, especially when you do not get what you want or what you believe you need. Few people get everything they need, and even fewer get everything that they want. Hence, there is a 50% divorce rate, a high rate of depression among both genders, and at least 60% of us are strongly dissatisfied with our job or career (if we are lucky enough to have one in this terrible economy).
Most people become resigned to the mediocrity that is their life. If they experience enough pain, disappointment and heartbreak, even the most confident and optimistic of individuals could let their zest for life slip away; and thus perhaps perpetuate a lifetime of adversity and discontent. Some people certainly bring their own disappointments upon themselves, but injustice is so widespread in this world that at least as many folks are impeded from success or happiness by a variety of external factors. (i.e. other people, bad luck, or fate). (to be cont'd)
[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]
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