Just thinking about one of these important milestones in life when you sincerely start to wonder what it is like beyond keeping up with the joneses. A big part of this realisation can ascribed to the entertainment media which is eternally hell bent on filling our minds with powerful imagery and vivid depictions of successful individuals living enticing lives in stunning locations.
The studiously designed visuals can't help making us think that we are missing out on something that will make our lives complete, something that will suddenly make our lives meaningful. Or relevant. As if our current life is a waste, whatever it is.
It's only with a great many repeated experiences that you see often enough that the media's portrayed reality doesn't align with our first impression as we saw it in these same situations in adverts and movies. If you somehow manage to achieve those lifestyles, let alone maintain them, you come to the sad realisation that this sort of pleasure is very ephemeral, the thrill is over almost before it began, and you are left feeling that you need something more luxurious to attain that elusive level of satisfaction. As if the eternal search for the unicorn is all that matters.
Once you're old enough you eventually realise the importance of the role that an "ordinary" life has. Understanding the essential role of the ordinary and the simple entails an honest enjoyment of life for what it is. When your mind isn't preoccupied being anxious and displeased with your less-than-glamorous reality, you can start to appreciate and be thankful for everything that you have, and how good health, freedom and friendship really are the best things in life.
