The movie of the same name with Jack Nicholson is very relevant today. We in American seem to live under the myth or belief that things will always get better as long as we work hard, or pray or simple wish for it.
There is reallly no basis for this belief. Personally I can attest to the falicy in this thinking. As the song goes, “I’ve seen better days, then the bottom dropped out”. A lot of people are starting to think the same way now with the economy continuing to head south with no bottom in sight. Our system of government and economic model does NOT guarantee things always get better. So many of us in the baby boom generation and those after, have only really experienced progress. Sure there have been ups and downs but the progress was always there. We are now facing a time where we and/or our children are going to have less than our/their parents. Declining expectations is what we all have to adjust to.
So how to we achieve joy, happiness, contentment in a world of declining expecations? What if this day is as good as it will get. If tomorrow can be worse than today?
Enjoy this day and your life. It is the only one that you have. There isn’t an alternative. It is what it is. Accept it. Choose to enjoy it. It is that simple of a choice. Hoping that tomorrow will be better and then I can enjoy my life has really never worked.
This doesn’t mean that it isn’t harder to enjoy life when things are difficult, it is. It is very hard. It is easier to be happy when there are few problems in your life. But, but… that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying everyday. You just have to work a little harder. OK, a lot harder, when life is throwing you crap…money problems, health problems, legal problems, family problems.
Here are some quotes from that movie:
Carol Connelly: OK, we all have these terrible stories to get over, and you-…
Melvin Udall: It’s not true. Some have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that’s their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you’re that pissed that so many others had it good.
Carol Connelly: Fucking H.M.O. bastard pieces of shit!
Beverly Connelly: Carol!
Carol Connelly: Sorry.
Dr. Martin Bettes: It’s okay. Actually, I think that’s their technical name.
Receptionist: How do you write women so well?
Melvin Udall: I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability.