You Are no Good at It

A brief reflection on pessimism and the joy of life

This is really important. If you love something, keep at it. One of the lessons I have learned is that people are quick to criticize, to downplay the possible. And while it's good to listen to wise counsel, more times than not (it seems) pessimism beclouds counsel.

So have courage and hope. Do hard things for joy's sake. Thank someone who says, "you cannot do it." But know in your heart that you will.

And while I hope this does not come across as too polemical, I think it's often true that those who say "you cannot" live in that same way and so miss opportunities to learn, to live, and to enjoy the life that we are given.

And by the way, love life.

God redeemed you to enjoy him and others by a duplex love of God and neighbour. So pick up the arts. Enjoy the science. Get into the trades. Find what you love, do what you love. Or even if you don't love it, then find someone to love that makes the work worthwhile. And if you cannot find someone to love you, love someone in deep need who doesn't deserve it.