People often tell me that I live a fascinating life. It’s strange to hear because to me it just feels like my life. It’s a response that speaks to the human trait of adaptability. Physically and mentally we are highly adaptable creatures. As a species, we are able to adapt to almost any climate, food source, and raw materials necessary for surviving, and indeed in most cases, thriving.
As individuals, our bodies are highly adaptive. Consider one simple example, walking. The physical movement, the sense of footing and balance, the adjustments, etc. Each step an adaptive physical process we call walking.
Mentally we are even more adaptable. Consider for instance the mind’s ability to affect physical performance, say through the activity of mental rehearsal. In this case, a weight-lifter can’t think more muscle, but by harnessing his mind he can think more strength. Mentally, we adapt all day every day – constantly processing new information, circumstances, decisions, people, thought processes, whatever. Our minds and bodies are literally and physically continuously adapting.
And what’s the point of all this pushing forward – as a species, as individuals – if we can’t appreciate what we have at each point in time that we have it? From hot showers to iPods to freedom. And what’s the point of all this adaptability if we don’t appreciate what we had to adapt for? To grow. To achieve something. My life is fascinating because I have the time and financial flexibility to explore my passions. I’ve adapted to it. My daily reminder is to appreciate it. What’s your daily reminder?