Some things in life are unattainable. I don't mean this in a defeatist, negative light--many times, there's a good reason we can't always get what we want.

Cheesy example, but after experiencing a horrific car accident which disfigures his handsome face, Tom Cruise's character in Vanilla Sky witnesses his once-successful life fall apart at a rapid pace. He receives an offer he can't refuse: for a hefty price, a futuristic dreamweaving company can keep his body in a comatose state in which his brain will be left active enough to create his own "life" again, mentally (it's been a while since I've seen it, but that's generally what happens, I think). In his dreamlike state, his face heals, he falls back in love with the woman of his dreams, and he goes on to live a charmed life full of happiness and true love--without illness, aging, rejection, or negativity. And for a long time, it feels real.

Even if you're strong enough to be content with both the pros and cons of reality, and you're satisfied with your life right at this instant whether you're married, healthy, old, young, in love, have had your heart broken, or have experienced the prolonged excruciating pain of rejection, you've likely dreamed up bits and pieces of an "ideal" life, intentional or not. Most people feel they'd be happier with more money or status. Students would like school to fast-forward until graduation. Working-class folk would like their retirement to be established already.

IF you were lying down on the cushioned slab with the wires already attached to your temples, what negative factors would you remove from your life? What/who would your brain subconsciously introduce to make your life better and more full of satisfaction and happiness? How deep can you go? I'm not just talking about money, obviously.

And lastly, how much of what you want your life to be is already attainable? Some of it might be "out there", but how many of your lifelong dreams are within your reach? What's keeping you from having those things now? Time? Money? Procrastination?

Remember, I'm not asking you if you'd go through with the decision to live your entire life in a comatose state. I'm asking what your life would be like if you'd already chosen the option.


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[Edited 2/28/07 16:52pm]

IF you were lying down on the cushioned slab with the wires already attached to your temples, what negative factors would you remove from your life?

And lastly, how much of what you want your life to be is already attainable?

INSATIABLE said:

The tendency for my mind to drift towards existential questions, to which (of course) I'll never have the answers.


As far as what is realistically attainable, 100%; it's all inside.

A provocative thread.

I've never seen it...but by your description - is it like he's "in the Matrix"?

Honey, the only reason things are unattainable for me right now is because of my lack of confidence in attaining them.
[Edited 3/1/07 6:43am]

susannah said:

Just, go and see it! If tom doesn't nauseate you, like Keanu does me, you'll probably love the film!

thedribbler said:

Have you any idea how long the list of "films I have to see" is?! I have like 2 entries, the rest of the world has given the other million.

It can join the queue I'm not a movie person!

susannah said:

No, It's not like Matrix. Matrix is crap, this 1 isn't.

And lastly, how much of what you want your life to be is already attainable?

What's keeping you from having those things now? Time? Money? Procrastination?

wake up.

what is is what couldn't be is what was.

i don't think i'd want the option.

you grow by learning from your past mistakes and strengths.

who you've hurt, who you've made smile-all that.

even if it's the same person.

i'm not thrilled about some things that've happened in my life.

but can i dwell? no. gotta keep going.

INSATIABLE said:

Most of it is attainable in theory at least. I don't dream of having supernatural powers etc, but I do dream big and of course I sometimes worry that I'm not being realistic.

One thing I've realized is that it's good to not obsess over projects and ideas where I'm depending on the help of other people to get them done. As long as I can carry it out from start to finish more or less on my own it's okay to aim really high, because then I don't risk getting mad at the world if it fails, and if I succeed I stand a much better chance of succeeding in a more pure, satisfying way.



Right now it's mostly anxiety and depression that is stopping me. But normally it's wanting to do too much and too many things at the same time.

Most of it is attainable in theory at least. I don't dream of having supernatural powers etc, but I do dream big and of course I sometimes worry that I'm not being realistic.

Right now it's mostly anxiety and depression that is stopping me.

INSATIABLE said:

The tendency for my mind to drift towards existential questions, to which (of course) I'll never have the answers.

Honey, the only reason things are unattainable for me right now is because of my lack of confidence in attaining them.

thedribbler said:

I loved the Matrix!

I balled my eyes out through this whole movie. It hit so close to home with me. My brother looked just like Tom Cruise, so much it freaked me out. Then he got into a horrific car accident which disfigured his face, just like Cruise in this movie. All the trauma he went through...some of the scenes in the movie...ugh I can't even think about it. It's just so bizarre to me, especially because my brother is now deceased. Whenever I see Tom Cruise I feel like I'm looking at Jason again.

susannah said:

I'm not suprised. Question: do u read books?

thedribbler said:

For fuck's sake. Turn your hatred inward, where it belongs.