A Thrilling Time is in Store for You
But how will I know if and when this Thrilling Time has arrived? Maybe it's already happened?
I have learned during my earthly sojourn that happiness, aka "A Thrilling Time" is really a matter of individual personal perception. What I mean by that is, what one considers to be a terrible time, to another this terrible time is the time of their life...a Thrilling Time.
Take skydiving.
Sure someone's 1st time skydiving most certainly would qualify as Thrilling. Or a Thrilling Time. Possibly terrifying too of course. Whereas a skydive instructor, with thousands of drops under their belt, may no longer find the same enthusiasm in the next jump like they did their first. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies are often in a state of looking to up the intensity of their adventures to create a new thrill. But the thrill of the jump continues to exist or they would cease to jump.
Most would argue that going to church services, sitting through school classes, or getting a root canal at the dentist doesn't exactly possess the potential characteristics of a Thrilling Time. But I feel strongly that thrilling times can be or are created out of mundane, routine, even everyday pedestrian events. Again, perception plays a role here. My 2nd oldest embodies this ideal. He often exhibits that rare, and somewhat peculiar personality, that can turn Any Time into a Thrilling Time. In the process he tends to attract those same like personalities who also make any event a party. Equally so, he also attracts a following; those who want to be around him. These are a rare breed.
What then are the components that create a Thrilling Time?
Just one really...
By definition, Thrilling means causing excitement and pleasure; exhilarating. How often has an event taken your breath away? When was the last time an awesome sunset had that affect? Or describe the sensation you felt standing at the base of a majestic mountain? For many, these events would certainly qualify as a Thrilling Time. For others, they still may need that element of speed or risk of death. And yet, regardless the actual events, one component of a Thrilling Time remains a constant: the Individual.
Taking this concept to another level, do we let a Thrilling Time come to us or do we, again much like my 2nd oldest, make each day, each encounter, each adventure...Thrilling? Do we add spice to a boring stew? If we're constantly living with the hope that times will be Thrilling, odds are we will live and die feeling unfulfilled, perpetually wondering what we missed out on. Do we log into social media sites only to bemoan the joys, adventures, and successes of others? Are we letting Thrilling Times pass us by? Are we placing ourselves in a position to recognize Thrilling Times? Do we make life Thrilling?
Imagine if we literally relied on the hope of a fortune cookie fortune to bring us...well anything.
One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Leonardo DiCaprio's fictionally based character Jack Dawson in the epic romance and disaster movie Titanic. Jack, despite his 3rd class passenger status, has been invited to eat dinner with some of the high-minded, noble elite of the day traveling on the majestic Titanic's maiden voyage. Some at the table are intrigued by his exploits and proceed to question his most recent adventure aboard the doomed ship. In response to their inquiry, he replies:
“...I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count.”I suppose therein lies one of the great lessons in life..."to make each day count." In so doing we aren't living from one Thrilling Time to another. Rather, LIFE itself becomes that Thrilling Time. And shouldn't that really be the case?!
