by Sarah Pine

Created on: March 12, 2010

Pull up your anchor.

When you are young you must stay where you are.  But when you are able, sail to a place you feel comfortable.  Never stay at sea. It is hostile to humans, and there is no place to hide. All humans need hiding places, whether temporary or permanent.

Walk inland immediately.  The coast is good for mature human beings, because there is mingling of all kinds.  But in the beginning, when you have little experience, it is easier for people to take advantage of you. Go to where you think you can get what you need.

When you feel safe, turn to yourself to figure out what you can do.  It will come to you naturally. Don’t make it difficult for yourself. Writers should write, artists should draw, managers should manage, tree trimmers should trim trees. To navigate life, you don’t need to find meaning. You will make it yourself.

We are all philosophers.  Every one of us. As soon as immediate needs are met, we begin to search for purpose. For some it comes quickly and easily. Others ponder a lifetime and never decide. Most of us vacillate through the years. But there is no one who does not search in some form.

Religion formulates purpose for some "to know, love and serve him in this world, and be happy with him forever in the next  (Sister Rose Madeline, circa 1957).  The paths of the religious are many, teaching, charity, love. Navigating believers through life.

Good teacher navigate their path of life through sharing, guiding, informing. I have had good and bad teachers, but not one came with me on my journey. I have always moved on alone, as I should. They found their way, and I would find mine.

Ardent sports fans move from game to game, season to season. Little League, bowling teams, car racing, there is always another game.  Newspaper columns, television sports commentary and shows about shows. Team spirit, turn taking, good sportsmanship mesmerize the fan. He sits in his chair until he dies. "Good" values " guided his life.

Existentialists (in my opinion a very under rated group, but that’s just me) believe we create our own meaning.  We navigate ourselves through life, by deciding, choosing, always free to form our own path. I have read them extensively but I can’t decide who is valid. If everyone chooses, there is no consensus and no government. If no one chooses, there is also anarchy. Is not choosing a choice? Who will decide this? Maybe they’re not such a bright group at all.

Scientists try to assist us in traveling our path. "Biology is destiny". But what about Helen Keller, and wheelchair basketball and Steven Hawking? And hope.

As you can, see there are so many paths. I am almost 70, and my knee hurts all the time. The physical therapist says more exercise is needed. The chiropractor recommends manipulation.The orthopedist suggests a new knee, to make navigating the remainder of my path less painful.

And now for my initial mention of "hiding" becomes meaningful.  I may just have to stay in the ladies room until I decide.

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