4.21.2011

on missing almost everything

As part of my 24 Things to do Before I Turn 24, I've been busy working my way through watching all of these 100 Best Movies and reading half of these 100 Best Novels. Meanwhile, I've added numerous books and movies and shows to my to-read and to-watch lists. Movies and books and shows that I'm genuinely interested in but, for the most part, have gone unread and unwatched because I've been too busy getting through the other lists.

It's taken a lot of time to do and, while some of those books and movies were surprisingly worthwhile, I found that I really didn't care for a lot of them. I would even complain about having to watch a movie or read a book that I already knew I wouldn't like. A coworker didn't understand why I would put myself through it, that life is too short to waste on things I don't like. I argued that it would make me more well-read, more worldly, more scholarly or what have you.

And on top of all of that, on top of all of the lists of things I feel I should complete and all the lists that I want to complete, I realize that I will never be able to read every book or see every movie! Every now and then that realization hits me like a blunt force to my chest. I become almost short of breath to know that there is a book out there that I would absolutely love but that I know nothing about.

I thought I was alone in this until I read an article via even*cleveland called "The Sad, Beautiful Fact That We're All Going to Miss Almost Everything." It might look like a long article, but please take the time to read it if you're at all interested. After reading it, I don't necessarily feel better in the fact that I will miss out on so much, but I do feel okay about it.

In conclusion, while it's been an enlightening experience, I should go back to reading and watching the things that pop out at me and that spark an interest in me, the things that jump out at me over and over to the point that I feel I'm meant to do. The way I did it before...

5 comments:

samantha ramage said...

i want to consume good books and movies in gigantic gulps sometimes- and to think about how i will never be able to make a dent in the ever-expanding list during my lifetime is sad!

i will definitely have to check out even*cleveland's post as well, but your list did make me look on the bright side that i have set goals to read as many books as possible and be happy with that.

xo
sami

Heather said...

I love that you're sticking to your guns and completeing these lists. I love that you have 24 things you want to do before you turn 24. I wish I'd had a greater desire to soak up so MUCH when I was 24. Good luck to you:)

Molly Page said...

Totally TOTALLY understand. I stopped reading 4 of the 5 books that I have attempted to read on my "50 Must Read" list. And I stopped in the FIRST chapter. That does not bode well, does it?
Thanks for the article rec! Hope you enjoy the next thing that "jumps out at you" more than your required reading!!!!

Goggled Hero said...

1. guess you'll just have to live forever now...and suddenly I have an inkling for a new story.

2. It's not May yet...get back to work

3. WOO HOO readin Return of the Jedi!!

Goggled Hero said...

If you don't like a book but you feel like you have to get through it you're ALLOWED to skim...I personally love the idea now. I have to much else to do to hear about how the sci-fi house of the future built itself, picked its design and all its own windows just so the two main characters will show up fall in love and have sex. Get back to the main story of planet sized Artificial Intelligences threatening the Empire and the Undead Emperor! =]