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The Importance of Newness

I’m constantly striving for something new. I’m seriously afflicted with “the grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome. Why do we struggle to find happiness and contentment in our routines?

Is it good, bad, or simply the truth that so many young people are always looking for something new; always ready to abandon what they have at the moment in search of something better?

Or is this a natural progression in human evolution? Do we need young people that aren’t content?

“The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they’re always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.”

Norman Rockwell

Life used to be much simpler. When I was a kid I just ran around doing whatever fit at that moment. At least it seemed that way.

Somewhere along the way, I starting to think about what I should do more than just doing. More consideration of actions, and consequences, but also less acting solely on desire.

To a degree, this leads to more hesitation. I feel less sure of myself than ever. But also trying to remember that I’m incapable of going “wrong.” Sure, I’ll make mistakes. I’ll do stupid things that I’ll regret, if only for a time. I’ll hurt people I never meant to hurt.

But if I can learn from these choices, and continue to work on being the best person I can be, then I can never really go “wrong.” I will always be growing. As long as I am committed to growth.

That’s a commitment that has to be there. If I’m not growing, I’m dying. If I’m not consistently trying to improve, I am stagnating.

I must possess a desire to improve. I must stimulate the senses in a situation of my choice. I must not shy away from change. I must continue to adapt. I must grow.

“Change is the end of something you know and the beginning of something else that you don’t know. Something new that holds opportunities.”

Kholoud Yasser

Comments

  1. Hi,

    I can completely relate as I am always in search of something new. It may be because of our generation…but like you said it may be because it’s in our blood. Humans are always searching for ways to evolve.

    I don’t think it’s a bad thing, as long as we don’t lose ourselves in the midst of everything. 

    1. Hi Fernanda! 

      You bring up a great point here that it’s important for us not to lose ourselves in the midst of seeking newness in the name of evolution. What practices do you have to avoid losing yourself in the midst of such a pursuit?

  2. Whatever you do could be influenced or not by tow words: Past and Future, These are artificial human constructions as the only thing that we currently and always will have is our present (nothing more than that!). A child, in most cases, never cares too much about his/her future and up to a certain age are not even able to build a reflection away from direct Cause-Effect from his/her past.

    Probably that´s why it´s easy for a child to get happy (and sad) from time to time. The only way to become a child again is facing levels of uncertainty were the only way to manage it would be just trusting, to get there, facing new challenges and places is the key.

     Thanks for sharing your thoughts, great post!

    1. Hey Juan! 

      I think the point of trust that you bring up is a really great one! I think we can teach ourselves to trust the present moment even though our culture(s) sometimes puts greater emphasis on the past and/or future. What habits do you have to help you trust in the present?

  3. Hello there! Thanks a lot for this article. I think the earlier we realize everything is subject to change and that change is the only constant thing in life, the better for us.The earlier we embrace newness, the easier life become for us. Thanks for opening my eyes to the reality of life…

    1. Hi Philebur! 

      You are most welcome and I very much appreciate your comment. The journey to accept and appreciate the newness of life is an ongoing one for me. I think it’s great to be adaptable! 

  4. Hey nice article you have there. Thanks for putting such a concise and well structured article together. So many has been afflicted with  greener pastures syndrome, neglecting the facts that they have to get their hands on desk working to earn it. Sometimes influence gotten from peer group may affects one’s desire.

    1. Interesting points here! 

      But I do agree that (at least younger generations) are very much afflicted by the “greener pastures syndrome” that you mention. Why do you think that is? And what do you think we can do to better appreciate what we have and where we are now?

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