Bumps and bruises

As we grow older we reflect on our lives to try and make sense of the psychology that drove our previous decisions. We may try to understand why we were susceptible to certain ideas and ways of thinking. It is the separation process of what we were taught was true versus what actually is. 

This is not an easy thing to do. 

Not everyone undertakes this process and many people live at a more surface level. Keeping busy doing and consuming can deflect the obligation to enter this process until life brings unwelcome surprises which can then trigger it. 

The longer we have lived, the more victories and perceived failures have been amassed. We may have seen life plans go unrealized and then become obliged to settle for a different reality as consolation. 

I have had people tell me directly that they don't want to examine themselves too deeply and perhaps there is some value in that. It hurts less to dwell on the bumps and bruises and simply move on to the next milestone on a bucket list. 

"Just keep moving forward" they tell themselves.