Embracing Chaos: Spring Projects, Life Lessons, and a Dash of Nihilism
A Juggling Act of Projects
In a world that often values streamlined productivity, you might wonder if anyone actually accomplishes tasks one by one. I can’t claim to know anyone who works that way. Instead, I find myself swept away in an endless whirlwind of spring projects, reminiscent of the cinematic chaos in the acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
A Touch of Nihilism?
Thanks to reliable sources on the internet (we can only trust so many), I’ve learned that the film’s overarching message leans into nihilism—the notion that our frenzied quests for purpose and accomplishment may ultimately lead us to the realization that, on a cosmic scale, we are profoundly insignificant. While this concept is fascinating, I’ve yet to immerse myself in the film’s narrative. Instead, I’ve been neck-deep in my projects.
Spring Projects: A Tangled Web
Many of my spring endeavors could be completed in just one day, yet they seem to stretch out over weeks or even months—akin to diced mushrooms artfully scattered on a pizza. (And now I can’t help but crave a slice!)
As a self-proclaimed nihilist enthusiast (who’s devoured works by thinkers like Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Kafka), I acknowledge their sentiments. These authors lived lives steeped in misery, leading them to conclude that existence may feel ultimately pointless. In his reflections, Kierkegaard poignantly remarked that “life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards.” Thanks for the wisdom, Soren—brief pause for sarcasm.
The Collateral Damage of DIY Projects
Take my recent adventure with the railroad ties around our driveway. After tossing one aside with the precision of a tractor, I decided to reduce the platform’s size. This decision resurrected my partner’s fond memories of the now-fallen oak tree, the very tree that had once provided not just shade but joy.
“You’re killing my daffodils!” she lamented, echoing her frustration from earlier, spring-time gardening hiccups—an utterly relatable moment for those who’ve fought seasonal battles with their yard.
Now, as we await the spring blossoms, the project languishes, and our vehicles have to navigate around stacks of old railroad ties, not to mention the new arrivals that I somehow wrangled into the mix. Who knew they could be so heavy?
Embracing the Midway Point
Days ago, I noticed that the sagging doors of my mower shed had become an eyesore thanks to rotting supports. With my grandsons’ assistance, we managed to remove the hefty doors, creating yet another project waiting for my attention.
In hindsight, it’s clear I should have opted for oak beams instead of the inferior pine, but alas! Every project unfolds its narrative. Of course, let’s not forget the ongoing adventure of helping my grandson Bob with his log cabin—oh, the procession of mistakes we’ve made!
A Plea for Purpose Amidst It All
Between cultivating pumpkin fields and tackling water leaks in our garage apartment, life is a flurry of tasks that can sometimes feel pointless. But what if the nihilists are correct? If nothing truly matters, why endeavor at all? Quite simply, if I let the mantra of nihilism sink in, the consequences could be dire: invasive species would overtake the farm, we’d shiver through winter without firewood, and worse, the bluebirds—those delightful, feathered thoughts of happiness—would nest nowhere close to home.
Finding the Bluebird of Happiness
So here I am, surrounded by projects yet to be completed, wondering if that bluebird of happiness is hidden in the chaos. With each passing task, perhaps I’m not merely trudging towards a fruitless end, but instead laying down stepping stones that lead to joy.
As the spring unfolds and my projects gradually find their long-awaited resolution, perhaps, like the themes in the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” our seemingly chaotic existence might come together in meaningful ways.
For further reading on existential philosophy and its impact on our lives, check out Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s insightful articles.
