Suma Mandalapu

I think most of us are grappling with this idea of what to do in and with life. I don’t think there’s a simple or even meaningful answer to it. But as long as we are looking and searching for answers, the quest itself attains meaning – even if the end result is unclear. You will be back to the beginning but with a better understanding than before.

So, as kids, everything is new and fascinating so we are just in awe and wonder. But as we grow older and older, the things which excite us diminish and the returns are sometimes so low that it feels like we’ve hit the plateau. Added to this, the responsibilities of adult life put in a lot of pressure – pressure to support, provide, care, love, be responsible, etc. And then you are lulled into a false sense of belief that is life and that’s how it is or will be.

As humans we are capable of the single most unique thing which sets us above the rest of the natural world – we can think – long term, short term, strategically, tactically, emotionally, irrationally – whatever qualifier. That by definition makes us creative. Creativity is often reduced to artistic abilities but it’s a broader, deeper and a very liberating concept.

Life is truly about the freedom to pursue self-appointed goals. That is what one scholar calls “creative freedom”. This is different from material pursuits of life (such as investing in real estate or saving for future, etc.) Material pursuits are often taken up for obligations and security. But once that’s achieved, you are again stumped because of law of diminishing returns.

As long as you are in a safe environment, well-fed when issues like food, clothing, etc. in short as long as your daily needs are met – you are free to engage your mind in creative pursuits. Not that those who do not have this comfort can’t pursue creative freedom, they often do not have that luxury. So, be grateful for this privilege.

To know what to do in life, you must learn about various different things – music, arts, books, cinema, sports, etc. Every interest opens a window of possibilities and every new possibility can enrich your mind.

It then seems logical that we have to have in our lives certain things which we do only for the sake that it gives intelligent pleasure. That we freely do it on our own volition. Not because it’s going to help us attain some career goals or is good for our partners, etc. (They matter too, but that’s a different topic.) I think then when you have that space to discover what truly gives you joy, it spills over into everything else. You come out with a clearer understanding than before. And it’s a loop.

Personally, one of the things that gives me joy is writing. And I’ve struggled over the years to make time for it because of the exigencies of life but I’m only now realising how important it is to make time for it too. So, my self-appointed goals are to finish some novel I’m working on. Not because I want to be a writer (which I do want) but because the act itself is something which stimulates and gives me both joy and purpose. Apart from the normal generic purposes of life – such as finding a career and settling down, etc.