The backpack metaphor of life

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.