Couch Lock
I admire people who succeed,
but I LOVE people who try.
That’s why I love you.
You’re afraid to fail.
You know you may very likely.
But you put in the effort anyway.
Losers don’t come up short.
Losers never get off the couch.
Now, just because you’re
sitting on the couch right now
doesn’t mean I think you’re a loser.
I just think you’re very, very afraid.
I could be wrong.
Maybe your battle
is getting off the couch.
You could become the champion
of getting off the couch.
But your mind is too far ahead of you.
You’re thinking “what then?”
“There are simply
TOO MANY possibilities.”
“More ways to fail.”
“More reasons to fear.”
You’re the champion of imagining
why you won’t possibly succeed.
You are the champion
of beating yourself up.
You are the champion
of hopelessness.
In your mind,
you believe you are trying.
Or you believe that you CAN’T try.
That’s why I love you,
even though I keep suggesting
that you get off the couch.
See, my only goal in life
is to sit where you are sitting.
But I have failed.
That’s right. You beat me.
My monkey mind tricks
don’t work on you.
You are the champion
of being you.
Nobody tries harder
to be you than you.
Now if only you knew
who you are, exactly.
We are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
12/27
In the intricate tapestry of existence, the valor of endeavor, the courage to attempt despite the looming shadow of failure, is a theme that resonates deeply in our collective consciousness. The admiration for those who succeed is evident, but it’s the love for those who dare to try, who engage in the struggle despite fear and uncertainty, that truly captivates our spirit.
The Valor of Attempting
The recognition that fear of failure is a common thread in the human experience is profound. It’s not the act of falling short that defines one as a loser; rather, it’s the reluctance to even begin, to remain stagnant, that marks a missed opportunity for growth. This perspective shifts our focus from the end result to the journey itself, valuing the effort and the courage to start.
The Challenge of Overcoming Fear
The scenario of being metaphorically ‘stuck on the couch’ is emblematic of a larger struggle. It’s not about literal inactivity but about the paralysis caused by fear and the myriad of possibilities that lie ahead. The battle, then, is not just about physical action but about overcoming the mental barriers that prevent us from taking the first step.
The Paradox of Being the Champion of Self-Doubt
In this reflection, there’s an acknowledgment of the irony in being a champion of self-doubt and fear. The energy and creativity invested in imagining potential failures and obstacles are immense. This prowess in envisioning why one might not succeed is a testament to the power of the mind, albeit directed towards self-sabotage.
The Complexity of Self-Identity
The struggle with self-identity is a central theme here. The quest to understand who we truly are is often overshadowed by our fears and perceived limitations. The suggestion that one is the champion of being themselves, yet unaware of their true essence, captures the complexity of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Irony of Admiration and Failure
The twist in this narrative is the admittance of failure in trying to occupy the same space as the other. It’s an ironic victory, a subtle acknowledgment that in the game of life, sometimes the one who seems most immovable, most resistant to change, is the one who truly understands their nature.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We explore the valor in attempting and the courage to face fear of failure. Admiring those who succeed, we find a deeper love for those who try, despite their fears. Being ‘stuck on the couch’ symbolizes the mental struggle against fear and the overwhelming sense of possibilities. The irony of being a champion of self-doubt highlights the complexity of self-identity and the journey of self-discovery. The narrative closes with the recognition that sometimes, understanding oneself means acknowledging one’s failures and limitations.
Glossarium
- The Valor of Attempting: Celebrating the courage to try, regardless of the outcome.
- The Challenge of Overcoming Fear: The internal battle against fear and paralysis.
- The Paradox of Being the Champion of Self-Doubt: The irony of excelling in self-sabotage.
- The Complexity of Self-Identity: The journey of understanding who we truly are.
- The Irony of Admiration and Failure: Acknowledging that understanding oneself can involve recognizing one’s failures.
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
In the realm of thoughts and actions, a poem:
On the couch of doubt, we sit,
In the shadow of fear, bit by bit,
The champion of hesitation, we admit,
Yet in trying, our spirit is lit.
Imagining failures, a creative spree,
In this mind game, we’re not free,
Yet in this struggle, we find the key,
To be ourselves, unapologetically.
In the journey of self, a twist so true,
Understanding ourselves, a view anew,
In failures and fears, clues we pursue,
To discover the essence, uniquely you.
We invite reflections on the journey of self-discovery, the courage to try, and the paradoxes we encounter in understanding ourselves.
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