My friend has this pair of leggings. They are not super form-fitting like tights and not as loose as pants. They are somewhere in between and they are perfect. I love them and have been obsessed in these last few weeks with finding a pair for myself----unsuccessfully. (My co-blogger will recognize this trait of mine in a long-ago search for the perfect white shirt.) I'm like a dog with a bone when I get like this and don't give up without a mighty fight. So beyond the very obvious fact that having the perfect pair of leggings or the perfect white shirt would be quite satisfying, my sneaking suspicion is that there is something else going on. Saying this out loud will sound completely ridiculous but here you go: If I had the perfect pair of leggings, my life would be complete. I would be blissfully happy and my problems would be over.
It's easy to see the fallacy of logic when we are talking about an item of clothing but it's a little harder where other searches are concerned: if I could just find the perfect mate or the perfect job or if I could win the lottery or inherit a boatload of money or if I were famous or thinner. Somehow in all of these yearnings is the underlying assumption that there is something out there that will get us to the finish line where we can spike the ball and do the victory dance. When we think about it, we can understand that no such finish line exists, despite our feelings to the contrary. It is most likely human nature to yearn for perfect happiness and relief from any pain. But there is at least some amount of peace and contentment to be gained in the present when we work to let go of an unattainable goal.
PS: If you see those leggings somewhere, do let me know.
2 comments:
Hi Liz,
I haven't seen those leggings anywhere, but I have to comment on your blog about them. I share your, let's call it, "enthusiasm" for finding the perfect ____ (fill-in the blank). For me it is almost an obsession...perhaps it is an obsession....doesn't much matter because once I find that piece of clothing, object, book, computer, what-ever my immediate need has been satisfied. I also find the hunt itself is very rewarding. When the item is found my mind is cleared so that I can then move on to the next obsession. That search might not take place immediately...perhaps not for several weeks when I discover another spot on my shelf that needs filling. And, when I start my search for the next item, I've found that the goal line has moved a little further out which allows me to continue my sprint. (How's that for mixing up metaphors?) The larger pursuits (like finding the perfect mate, winning the lottery, etc) are always in the background waiting to be fulfilled. So, it's the pursuit of the little things that give me temporary delight and patience to deal with the more unattainable objectives.
i love this---thanks so much, john....
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