One should take the time to watch the movie “Up in the Air” starring George
Clooney and pay attention to his “backpack” metaphor when he does his “your
fired” speech in front of an audience or those unfortunate enough to be fired
by him or his protégé. There are valuable lessons to be learned in the manner
this is presented and explained. It can be applied universally to any work or
life setting if you know the complete meaning of such metaphor and how it
applies to your life.
The message
is simple and can be completely understood by many as the way to see life’s
struggles and challenges. It is at the very least a moment where you come to
grip with the realities of your own life from the world around you. This metaphor
can allow you to take into the wisdom put into the effort to explain life as it
is for you.
Life is a constant emotional struggle. It has its ups and
downs and sometimes we tend to focus on the downs rather than the positive
things. This backpack can be filled with joyous moments or episodes of drama or
doom. The reality is how you balance the two and make carrying the backpack
less of a burden or worthwhile doing.
The backpack theory is a realistic perception of your
life. Carrying a backpack that is too light may seem to give you the impression
there is nothing but air in your life. On the other side, a backpack too heavy
can become a burden and slow you down. It all depends how you determine your
own strengths, your weaknesses and your perseverance to handle these burdens.
Whether the straps of the backpack cuts into your
shoulders is an individual character only you can define. Whether the contents
of the backpack are worth the effort to carry is also a personal decision only
you can make. There is a definite emotional connection between you and the
backpack. It is what makes you function, act or do the things you do in life.
For some the empty backpack is by choice or misfortune.
If they chose not to be involved in relationships, having family closeness or
engaged in an active social life, then the backpack may be light to carry. It may
also however, feel empty and needing some attention. The reality may be your
life is lacking emotional fulfillment and satisfaction.
If you go the other way where the backpack is too heavy
and you could be maintaining too many relationships that are counterproductive
or hard to handle. You may need to learn
to release some of these items you are packing to make your life more balanced.
You are after all, free to do so if you want to make that choice. How you
balance your life is very important.
The backpack can make you think about your priorities in
life. It is both insightful emotionally and creates a moment in time for you to
do some deep thinking and determine who you are, what you want in life and
where you are going. Filling the backpack with those things you need to accomplish
such goals is the secret to life and the balance of your heart.
So ask yourself, what else do I lack or need? What should
I let go off and move on with my life? One must be cautious in taking in or
releasing such things in your life as they carry an emotional attachment only
you can feel or care about. Thus we have choices to make and make often to
manage the backpack we carry through life every day. The balance is usually
between what you can handle and what you can’t.
Simplified, remember there are emotional assets here to
take into consideration as well. Nothing is simple and nothing can be ignored
when it comes to managing your life. You almost always carry those things
around with you because you either want them or need them.
Sometimes, you must ask yourself, what do I want and what
do I need. It is quite a difference in weight and responsibilities. There are
some things you need but there are almost always some things you want. Whatever
is essential to you will likely go into the backpack of life.
Ask yourself – is my backpack filled with family and good
friends? Is it filled with moments of happiness and achievements and amazing
experiences? Is it too light or too heavy? Is the backpack strong enough to
carry it all or do you need a stronger backpack? The biggest challenge knowing
what amount of things you can carry and handle. It is after all, a meaningful
way to add weight to your life and be grateful for what you have. On the other
hand, it should contain all those essential things you need to sustain life.
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