By some estimates, I have had a lot of success in my life. By others, I have failed at everything I’ve tried to do. I don’t think I’m alone in carrying around a measuring stick that is used, universally, for sizing up the current value of our lives, but is scaled specifically in career-defined increments.
Absolutely love this. I'm a huge fan of alternate realities too! Makes me think of "Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, and one of my favorite musicals of all time "If/Then." (And of course, the movie Sliding Doors.) Particularly love this quote of yours "You know, maybe alternate realities are not only these versions of our lives that we’ll never experience. Maybe they are also those not-yet-existent futures we hold within us. Those invisible worlds that we create with every intentional step toward them. If we can see it in our mind, it’s only a matter of time."
I also really love that you have two version of this post - with and without spoilers! I've been wanting to write about some of my favorite shows/movies but would hate to spoil them, and this is such a great way to do that.
Ooo… I have issues with where I imagine future states as I could be (the fantasy) and where I am (the reality). They bend and fold around each other where I start to resent where a path naturally leads in favor of the off beat path with little plan or experience. We cannot live a fantasy, but we can live a dream, the latter of which is not a romp in a wildflower meadow. It’s planning, sweating, honing, and looks a lot like the unattractive “work” we’re trying to avoid. But there’s a hill to clump everywhere. The goal is the summit.
I’ve heard so many good things about this movie. I need to make some time to go see it.
Absolutely love this. I'm a huge fan of alternate realities too! Makes me think of "Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, and one of my favorite musicals of all time "If/Then." (And of course, the movie Sliding Doors.) Particularly love this quote of yours "You know, maybe alternate realities are not only these versions of our lives that we’ll never experience. Maybe they are also those not-yet-existent futures we hold within us. Those invisible worlds that we create with every intentional step toward them. If we can see it in our mind, it’s only a matter of time."
I also really love that you have two version of this post - with and without spoilers! I've been wanting to write about some of my favorite shows/movies but would hate to spoil them, and this is such a great way to do that.
Thank you so much! I loved Midnight Library AND Sliding Doors. I don't think I'll ever tire of exploring that idea. Until maybe, one day, we can!
Agreed!!
Ooo… I have issues with where I imagine future states as I could be (the fantasy) and where I am (the reality). They bend and fold around each other where I start to resent where a path naturally leads in favor of the off beat path with little plan or experience. We cannot live a fantasy, but we can live a dream, the latter of which is not a romp in a wildflower meadow. It’s planning, sweating, honing, and looks a lot like the unattractive “work” we’re trying to avoid. But there’s a hill to clump everywhere. The goal is the summit.
I’ve heard so many good things about this movie. I need to make some time to go see it.
Yes! I think this movie explores the tension of what you're describing. I would love to hear your thoughts after you see it.