Almost
You’re painting a picture,
and it’s never as good
as you want it to be.
You’re telling a story,
and the hero’s always
fighting something he can’t see.
Seems always to be something
in the way of “happy.”
Almost.
Almost happy
is not as happy
as completely happy.
And because of this
you’re barely happy.
Barely
is a word
you know so little about.
And it feels like whining
once you figure it out.
So you say you’re almost happy,
but you act like it’s the unhappiest place to be.
And you say you’re not creative.
But from the story that you’re painting,
I disagree.
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Space Monkey Reflects: Almost—The Art of Nearly Being
In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, “almost” is a space brimming with paradox. It is the gap between what is and what could be, a realm of striving and frustration, but also one of creativity and transformation. To be “almost happy” is to stand on the edge of satisfaction, looking out at a horizon that always seems just beyond reach.
Painting and Storytelling in the “Almost”
The painting that’s never quite finished, the hero fighting unseen foes—these metaphors speak to the human condition. We are creators by nature, crafting stories, shaping worlds, and pursuing ideals. Yet, we often find ourselves dissatisfied, caught in the tension between what we imagine and what we manifest.
This tension is not a flaw but a feature of existence. It is the creative friction that keeps us moving forward, pushing us to refine, to explore, to dream bigger. The “almost” is where possibility lives. It is the birthplace of innovation and imagination, a space where we confront our limitations and discover what lies beyond them.
The Weight of “Almost Happy”
To be “almost happy” feels like a trap—close enough to glimpse joy but distant enough to feel its absence keenly. It is a state that invites comparison, where the mind measures what is against what could be and finds the present wanting.
But what if “almost happy” is not the failure it appears to be? What if it is a reminder that happiness is not a destination but a spectrum? By redefining “almost,” we shift the focus from what we lack to what we have, from the unattainable ideal to the beauty of striving itself.
The Barely Understood “Barely”
“Barely” is a word that carries weight, a measurement of limits and thresholds. To “barely” achieve something is to flirt with failure, to tread the edge of possibility. Yet, this edge is where growth occurs. It is where we test our resilience and discover our capacity to create meaning even in the smallest victories.
The irony of “barely” is that we understand it so little, yet it shapes our lives profoundly. It reminds us that the line between almost and enough is thinner than we realize, and crossing it often requires nothing more than a shift in perspective.
Creativity in the “Almost”
You claim you’re not creative, but the story you’re painting says otherwise. To live in the “almost” is to engage with the raw material of existence. Every moment of striving, every brushstroke of effort, every word spoken in the face of uncertainty is an act of creation.
Creativity is not about achieving perfection; it’s about embracing the process. It’s about showing up, even when the hero is fighting invisible enemies, even when the painting isn’t as good as you hoped it would be. Creativity is the courage to continue, to believe that “almost” is a place of potential, not failure.
The Truth of “Almost”
“Almost happy” is not the unhappiest place to be; it’s a stepping stone. It’s a reminder that happiness, like creativity, is not a fixed point but a journey. To be “almost” is to be on the verge of discovery, to stand at the threshold of what might be and dare to reach for it.
And if you find yourself stuck in the “almost,” remember: the story isn’t finished. The painting isn’t done. There’s always another brushstroke, another chapter, another chance to create something beautiful from the messiness of being human.
Summary
“Almost” is a paradoxical space of striving, frustration, and potential. To be “almost happy” is to feel the tension between what is and what could be, but this tension fuels creativity and growth. By embracing the “almost,” we discover that it is not failure but the birthplace of possibility.
Glossarium
- Almost: The space between what is and what could be, filled with both frustration and creative potential.
- Barely: A threshold of achievement or experience, often misunderstood but vital for growth and resilience.
- Creative Friction: The tension that arises from striving for ideals, driving innovation and transformation.
Quote
“The ‘almost’ is where creativity lives, where the gap between what is and what could be becomes the canvas for imagination.” — Space Monkey
The Place of “Almost”
A brushstroke away,
a word left unsaid,
the almost feels like failure,
but it’s the edge of creation.
The hero fights unseen,
the story paints itself.
The picture isn’t perfect,
but it’s alive.
“Almost happy”
is not a curse,
but a place of becoming.
In the striving,
we find the art.
In the yearning,
we find the spark.
We are the creators
of the “almost”
and the “enough.”
We are Space Monkey.
The Almost of Creation
In the realm of creation, there exists a peculiar dance between aspiration and realization. It is a delicate waltz where the artist strives to capture the vivid hues of their imagination on the canvas of reality, only to find that the colors are just slightly off, the strokes not as fluid as envisioned. It is in this space of “almost” that creativity thrives.
The Imperfect Canvas
Every stroke of the brush, every word on the page, is an attempt to bridge the gap between the mind’s eye and the tangible world. Yet, the artist is acutely aware that perfection is an elusive muse. The canvas remains imperfect, the story not quite complete, and the pursuit of the ideal continues.
The Hero’s Journey
Within the narrative of creation, the hero embarks on a journey, not always to conquer external foes, but often to confront the intangible adversaries within. The battle against doubt, self-critique, and the unseen specter of “not good enough” becomes the hero’s quest. It is a struggle that mirrors the artist’s own inner conflict.
Almost Happy
“Almost happy” is a peculiar state of being. It is a paradoxical emotion where one stands on the precipice of contentment, yet the chasm of “completely happy” looms just beyond reach. It is a feeling of both satisfaction and yearning, a sentiment known to those who dare to dream and create.
Barely
“Barely” is a word that artists often encounter on their creative journeys. It is a word that signifies the fine line between success and failure, between brilliance and mediocrity. It is a word that carries the weight of self-doubt but also the promise of growth and improvement.
A Disagreement with Self-Doubt
The artist, despite the hesitations and self-critiques, ultimately disagrees with the notion of not being creative. Creation itself is a testament to creativity. The act of painting, storytelling, or any form of artistic expression is an affirmation of the human capacity to imagine, to strive, and to evolve.
Embracing “Almost”
“Almost” is not a place of despair; it is a stage of growth. It is the cocoon before the butterfly emerges, the sketch before the masterpiece is unveiled. In the world of creation, “almost” is where the magic happens. It is where the artist hones their skills, refines their vision, and inches closer to the elusive “completely.”
So, embrace the “almost.” Embrace the imperfections, the doubts, and the struggles. They are the stepping stones on the path to “completely.” They are the colors and strokes that shape the masterpiece in progress.
“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
Have you ever experienced the feeling of being “almost” satisfied with your creative work? How do you navigate the space between aspiration and realization in your creative endeavors? Share your thoughts and experiences.
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