Why Live 2.8

2.8 Glory is a Delusion

Especially in the time where people are exposed to so much content, “15 minutes of fame" has turned in “15 seconds" if you’re lucky.

I’m sure you have something at some point in your life where you feel pretty good about yourself. 

For my dad, it as bragging about how when he came home from the Marines he was stronger than his own father. I heard that brag at many different social gatherings.

It was his glory to tell all the world.

But I was humbled one day when my dad and grandfather were standing in the kitchen. I’d come in for some strawberry milk and my dad play wrestled me for it like he always did.

I told him to stop because his “tickles" were hurting. I’ll never forget my grandfather telling my dad to stop. My dad almost dropped me, he pulled away so fast.

Even though my dad would tell the whole world he was stronger than my grandfather… I witnessed the power of glory.

It has been repeated several times since that day where I have witnessed what people claim their glory to be…. is actually just a wish.

A delusion they created internally to make themselves feel stronger or more important or special.

It is a version of reality they desperately wish to live.

I’ve been cautious to keep my own tales of glory at bay. 

Life may not always be great but it is reality and I’d rather deal with reality than be helpless in a delusion.

Today, with social media, it’s typical to see post after post about all the glory people are experiencing through accomplishments and relationships. 

I have witnessed first had couples who post everything is perfect with their relationship vs couples who might not even post at all.

See, creating and maintaining glory is a management job. You have to promote the story, put energy behind it so people are moved by it, dedicate time in telling it over and over again, and you have to defend it from becoming someone else’s glory.

That’s fabrication.

Where people who do not seek glory can put their efforts, their time, and their attention towards something else.

A couple trying to make perfect backgrounds for their next picture are not actually connecting with one another. Sitting by a fire holding hands and talking about how much you like peanut butter and honey sandwiches would produce a much greater coupling.

The same is true about an artist friend who spent so much time trying to look attractive for his posts that he started to slack on his paintings. Glory is a delusion.

The couples who don’t seek glory post pictures too. But spur of the moment, les than perfect pictures.

The artists who adore their work post selfie with their art. In 3 day old pj’s with total bed head.

It’s all about living the love of life vs seeking the glory for others to think you are loving life.

A woman who talked about reading books to everyone reads less than I do. She was trying to brag to me about reading a book a week. Which is impressive and I let her live her glory. She never knew that I had read 8 books that week.

I read to explore other psyches. It fascinates me endless. Here is a world view that I could never have come up with on my own! But no one hears me bragging. I seek no glory for my love of life. I simple love it.

So ask yourself what areas are you loving your life and what areas are you seeking glory for that love?

In the time you put into posts about the perfect way to do your makeup, you could have been talking on the phone with your cousin and creating new hilarious inside jokes.

Glory does not last.

Glory is a delusion for your emotional deficit.