Funny i guess, that we as people seem to consume everything so quickly that we often never truly enjoy things for what they are without comparing it to something better. Everything seemingly a competition. His girlfriend is prettier than mine, his car is faster, he is wittier than me.......
Its hard to see a way out of such a catch 22. Without these feelings, we would never strive to be anything better than the very least we can be, no ambition, not living, just surviving. On the other hand the dilemma lies within a feeling of discontent, as we evolve as people we are not looking forward, but often ruing what has happened and could of been made better. It occurred to me during a return to my northern roots of Shaw and Crompton over the festive december period that the beauty of both awkwardly impossible scenarios is, that it spawns another rare and proud. That of nostalgia.
Many of the residents in any one area will talk of discontent within their surroundings, with very few of them actually taking advantage of some of the worthwhile beauties on offer. I have been, and probably always will, try very hard not to be one of these people.
Oceans are romantic, we are littered with idealism's which draw connotations toward living by the sea, on the beach, in tropical climates, in clean living, in prosperity. However, as i walked the hills that over-looked the industrial towns of Lancashire, I couldn't help but feel a sense of naivety for not appreciating the beauty of towns that i have had so many great experiences in. A place were industry once thrived and stabilized the community, brought it together, gave people a reason to be proud, to have an outlet, to become common folk who appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Stereotypes can be something one tries to shake off with great shame that it may mean those stereotypes reveal who you are as a person, and thus remove anything unique or mysterious about them. But I realized during this particular visit that nobody can ever change where they came from, and the effect that place has on your views, personality and imperfections. After all its what makes us what we are.
My grandmother is 77, she is fearless, and has recently got a tattoo.
