Living in the 21st centuary.....

A common phrase which is overused is a cliché.  Generally speaking clichés are to be avoided as it royally pisses everyone off but, in reality they are not evaded hence, clichés!  In my opinion clichés are a necessary part of language and a powerful way to convey free advice and wisdom. 

I was inspired to write this based on something I heard today uttered by one of the most learned men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  He is one of the Queen’s personal physicians.  His name will not be mentioned.  He stated the cliché – which used to drive me up the wall – “Life isn’t fair”.  Hearing it from someone outside of your circle friends or family, for some reason, had a greater effect on my thought process as I did not just scoff at a shitty cliché.   

I will attempt to express some wisdom of my own via use of common clichés heard in everyday speech.  Here are clichés that every person should live their lives by. These are all clichés which are still applicable in today’s world.

1. It ain’t over till its over. 

I was watching a rugby match on Saturday.  It was between Italy and France.  Pre match, everybody had written off the Italians.  It seemed as thought the French had won the game before they even kicked off.  At one point in the second half, the Italians were 12 points adrift with the French winning 12-6.  The Italians missed two penalties, however, their resilience and their never back down attitude saw them win 22-21 at the final whistle.  A win by a solitary point or a win by hundreds – it doesn’t matter, a win is a win.  Moral of this story is never give up – you could still beat the odds.

2. Do unto others.

This is a simple phrase which allows those from a young age to understand when something is wrong.  It would make you pause to think – “Would I like this to happen to me?” For example – would you like people to kill you?  Probably not! So don’t go around killing people!!

3. Always consider the source.

Things are not always what they seem.  In a funny game of Chinese whispers, gossip can always get misconstrued.  If you really want to get to the bottom of it you really have to be meticulous.  What I would suggest doing is just brush that dirt off your shoulder and move on.  Sometimes you need to realise some people are just not worth your time. 

4. Life isn’t fair

It really, well and truly is not.  Nothing ever goes according to plan.  Life has an annoying habit of throwing so much shit at you.  What do you do?  Yeah, just stumble and fall and bury your head in the sand.  NO!!!  You need to make the best of a bad situation.  No regrets. 

5. Surround yourself with good people. 

I particularly like this one as, for me, it emphasises that your rep won’t get tarnished by a group of dicks.  My old man always says never hang around with coal miners because when their hands touch yours, your hands are dirty too.  You think about that. 

This resonates more with me as good people tend to be better friends.  These are the people that you can rely on for an honest opinion as well as loyalty. 

6. Think before you speak.

It may sound like a ridiculous thing to suggest but, how many times have you said something and immediately regretted it.  A bad joke?  A ‘smooth’ line to a girl that’s not so smooth?  Starting a conversation with someone that you just wish you hadn’t?! Dude. Seriously.  THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!

Also, how do you think rumours start?  You say something to a total retard who takes it a little too seriously. 

7. You just can’t please some people.

Some people seem to have a ‘self-important-holier-than-thou-superior’ attitude that, no matter what you do for are just never grateful, appreciative, thankful or approving of whatever you do.  These people are just not worth it.  Fuck ‘em!

8. Die trying.

Never give up.  I know this may tie in with #1 but, this is more based on ambitions in life.  Don’t give up on your dreams.  It is not going to be easy to achieve, unless you have simple dreams.  However, don’t go chasing more than one dream.  You could get lost. 

I also take encouragement from certain song lyrics.  I find music can rouse people to do some spectacular things. 

“Savoir the throne, but don’t mind the stool.” – Steve Winwood, “Take it as it comes”

This is often misinterpreted as thinking enjoy the high life but don’t mind the step down.  I think it is more – enjoy the brighter moments in life, the really good times but don’t be too bothered by the less pleasant times in life.  We do all go through them. 

“Whoever diggeth the pit shall fall in it” – Bob Marley, “Small Axe”

This is pretty much don’t start shit and shit won’t find you.  It is eloquently put – it is a more sophisticated way of saying ‘Don’t start none, won’t be none!’

“The ones you are calling wild are going to be the leaders in a little while” – Johnny Cash, “What is truth?”

A well put metaphor to explain that the youth have plenty of time to be grown up and will go on to lead their own lives, families, companies, countries.  Enjoy their youth.  Appreciate it while it lasts.   

“When the grass is cut, the snakes will show.” – Jay Z, “Blueprint 2”

Take the time to allow the smoke to clear.  When shit hits the fan for you, deal with it and then when you are over your episode single out those who deserted you in your time of need.  Snakes.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon, “Beautiful boy (Darling boy)”

Shit happens when you have made plans.  Life, as aforementioned, is not fair.  Stuff just crops up and nothing ever seems to go according to plans. 

“Some people graduate but we still stupid.  They tell you read this, eat this, don’t look around.  Just peep this, preach us, teach us, Jesus” – Kanye West, “Good Morning”

 Just because you have now graduated, it does not make you God’s gift to the world.  You absolute cunt!  You do not deserve a Nobel prize!!  Chances are, these people may be academic but have little to no common sense. 

“You know, religion has a lot to answer for” – Iron Maiden, “For the Greater Good of God”

I find that religion is being blamed for a lot of things nowadays.  People seem to believe that religion condones a lot of these atrocities where in reality, it is 100% condemned.  This lyric reminds me of my faith and the strength it has given me. 

“Complete the motion if you stumble.” – Red hot Chili Peppers, “Can’t Stop”

Even if you fall or trip keep trying to move forward.  No matter how stupid you look just keep trying to get there. 

Much Love,

Jackson L.