What is my motivation for living?
I am not focused on succeeding,
I am merely aware that I continue.
To be focused on success
— or ANY outcome —
seems shortsighted in my mind.
Not that there’s anything
wrong with being shortsighted.
In my view,
life seems to be about
far more than success,
and I wish to experience
as much richness as I can.
Which is probably why I am not rich.
What is YOUR motivation for living?
Are you painting
broad strokes or narrow ones?
I seem to be a broad stroker.
Hope I don’t go blind.
Trail Wood,
6/13
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing Life as a Broad Stroker
In the vast canvas of existence, the question of how we choose to paint our lives—whether with broad strokes or narrow ones—shapes our experiences and defines our perspectives. The concept of being a ‘broad stroker’ is not merely about technique or style, but a profound metaphor for living life in a manner that embraces diversity, richness, and the full spectrum of experiences available to us.
To be a broad stroker is to understand that focusing solely on success or any specific outcome can indeed seem shortsighted. It’s a realization that the true essence of living extends beyond achievements and accolades, encompassing a deeper, more enriched engagement with life. This approach favors breadth over depth, variety over uniformity, and the journey over the destination.
The contemplation, “I am not focused on succeeding, I am merely aware that I continue,” highlights a philosophy of existence that values awareness and presence over attainment. This mindset liberates one from the constraints of conventional success metrics, allowing for a more holistic exploration of what life has to offer. It acknowledges that while being shortsighted is not inherently negative, there is a vastness to life that requires a wider lens to fully appreciate and explore.
In this broader view, life is not a series of targets or goals but a landscape to wander through, where each step, each stroke of experience, contributes to the creation of a dynamic and colorful tapestry. This perspective asks us to consider our motivations for living—not in terms of what we aim to achieve, but what we hope to experience and contribute.
Asking “What is YOUR motivation for living? Are you painting broad strokes or narrow ones?” serves as an invitation for introspection. It challenges us to evaluate our own approaches to life and determine whether we are limiting ourselves to scripted paths or allowing ourselves the freedom to explore more expansive, varied terrains.
The light-hearted quip, “Hope I don’t go blind,” while humorous, subtly acknowledges the risks associated with such an expansive approach. It implies that in pursuing a life filled with diverse experiences and broad strokes, one might lose sight of more focused ambitions. Yet, it also reaffirms a commitment to this choice, suggesting that the potential loss is a worthy trade-off for a life richly lived.
Summary
Being a ‘broad stroker’ symbolizes a life approach that values expansive and diverse experiences over narrow, focused outcomes. This perspective allows for a richer, more varied engagement with life, even if it means eschewing traditional paths of success.
Glossarium
- Broad Stroker: Someone who approaches life with openness to a wide array of experiences, not confined by the need for specific outcomes.
- Narrow Strokes: A focused, goal-oriented approach to life that often prioritizes specific achievements over broader experiences.
Quote
“Life as a broad stroker offers a palette richer than the narrow confines of conventional success.” — Space Monkey
With broad strokes I paint my days,
Across the canvas wide and free,
Colors blend in myriad ways,
Each hue a chapter of the story to be.
Not bound by lines, not held by frames,
The brush dances wild, the heart claims,
New visions on old canvas laid,
In the art of living, my soul swayed.
For what is life but art in motion?
A masterpiece of felt emotion,
Broad strokes, bold dreams, all interwoven,
In the endless sky, my spirit’s ocean.
We are Space Monkey.
The scene transitions to an art studio, with colorful paintings and creative chaos, symbolizing the playfulness and lightheartedness of the submission.
Reporter 1: Welcome back to Space Monkey News, where we celebrate the richness of life and explore the motivations that drive us. Today, we have received a delightful submission that invites us to ponder our approach to living—whether we are broad strokers or narrow ones. Let’s dive into this whimsical piece.
The screen displays the viewer’s submission, presented with vibrant and animated visuals, accompanied by playful music, adding a touch of humor to the broadcast.
Reporter 1: This submission sparks a playful inquiry into our motivations for living. It reminds us that life is about more than narrow pursuits of success and encourages us to embrace the richness and variety of experiences.
The camera shifts to the panel of experts, smiling and ready to embrace the humorous tone of the submission.
Dr. Stella Nova: Ah, the broad stroker dilemma. It’s a whimsical reminder that life isn’t just about achieving specific outcomes but rather about savoring the diverse experiences that come our way. And no, I don’t think you’ll go blind from being a broad stroker, but you might need some extra paint!
Professor Isaac Orbiter: Indeed, Dr. Nova. It’s refreshing to hear someone acknowledge the joy of exploring life’s richness rather than being fixated on narrow goals. Being a broad stroker allows us to appreciate the beauty and color in every stroke, even if it means our bank accounts might not be overflowing.
Dr. Luna Celeste: I love the playful perspective of this submission. It reminds us that our motivation for living doesn’t always have to be tied to external measures of success. Sometimes, it’s about embracing the messy and unpredictable journey and allowing ourselves to be open to the surprises and delights that come our way.
Captain Solaris: As someone who has ventured into the vastness of space, I appreciate the lighthearted approach of being a broad stroker. Life is a canvas, and it’s up to us to decide how we want to paint it. So why not use broad strokes and let the colors of experience splash across our lives?
Reporter 1: Thank you, experts, for adding your humorous perspectives to this delightful submission. Now, let’s turn to our viewers. Are you a broad stroker or a narrow one? What motivates you to embrace the richness of life? We invite you to share your thoughts and join the colorful conversation.
The screen transitions to the live chat feed, displaying viewers’ witty comments and creating a space for laughter and interactive engagement.
Reporter 1: We’ll be exploring the diverse strokes and playful motivations shared by our viewers. Together, let’s embrace the vibrant palette of life and paint with broad strokes of joy and curiosity.
The camera zooms out, showing the experts and Reporter 1 exchanging amused glances, ready to dive into the viewers’ humorous reflections and foster a lively exchange of ideas.
Reporter 1: We are Space Monkey, here to celebrate the broad strokes of life. Let’s paint our way through this colorful journey together.
The panel of experts joins in with playful gestures and joyful expressions, embodying the spirit of broad stroking.
Reporter 1: We are Space Monkey. Let the laughter and creativity unfold. And remember, while being rich in experiences may not make us wealthy in the traditional sense, it fills our lives with vibrant hues that money simply can’t buy!
The experts join in with laughter, sharing in the light-heartedness of the moment.
Reporter 2: We are Space Monkey.
The broadcast ends with a moment of deep contemplation and silence.
[End of broadcast]