Don’t think, Become.
Words have power.
For almost a full year now, I’ve had a quote floating around in the back of my mind. For a long time, I didn’t really talk about it. But recently, it’s made its way to the forefront of my consciousness.
I’ll be honest, I’m a little bit embarrassed to admit where this quote came from. When I was living at my parent’s place, I would sometimes hang out with my younger siblings in the afternoon while they watched tv.
Most of the shows they watched were run-of-the-mill, but there was one series that stood out. Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia was one of those “kids shows” that really had more depth than its target audience might imply.
While there were a lot of great moments throughout the series, there’s only one monologue I decided to memorize, and I’m so glad I did.
In episode one, the show’s main protagonist, Jim, is confronted with the reality that he has a destiny chosen for him, whether he likes it or not. Obviously, he’s resistant to the idea and confused. His future mentor, Blinky, decides to attempt to quell his fears and says the following:
“Destiny is a gift. Some go their entire lives, living existences of quiet desperation, never learning the truth that what feels as though a burden pushing down upon our shoulders is actually a sense of purpose that lifts us to greater heights. Never forget that fear is but the precursor to valor, that to strive and triumph in the face of fear is what it means to be a hero. Don’t think, become.”
-Blinky from the Netflix original “Trollhunters”
Don’t get me wrong, I love this whole quote. However, the part that really sticks out to me is the last line. Don’t think, become.
Those three words carry a surprising amount of depth, and while they might not hit a chord with everyone, I think it’s safe to say it’s inspiring.
It’s far too easy for so many people (myself included) to waste a lot of time thinking about who we want to become. After all, it’s easier to simply live in the realms of what-ifs and should-of-beens.
I can spend hours wondering about how much better my life might be if I just started making the right choices, all while never removing myself from my couch.
I can run countless marathons in my head, but if I never put on my shoes and walk out the door, I won’t lose a pound.
Don’t think, Become.
Sometimes all it takes to start real change is to just take the first step, literally. I don’t think our destinies are chosen for us, but I think that every person is capable of amazing things, and we can make our own destinies. But destiny means nothing if we choose to DO nothing.
So, again, Don’t think, Become.
Destiny may be a gift, but the greatest gift is that we have the choice to find whatever destiny we want. Don’t waste it, become. Become.
And as always my friends, Choose Joy.
