I have a dream to own and drive an old classic convertible one day.
Something I can ride in swagger with the top down, wind blowing in my hair, sun shining on my back, while I'm cruising through town without a care in the world.
That's the energy, inspiration, and mentality I was left with after recently reading Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey’s memoir, Greenlights.
A collection of moments that have been defining and monumentally instrumental in his development and life's work.
The account details through his narration critical decisions and seemingly radical choices that all have been a driving force behind this talented man's success while providing a clear view into the kind of mentality that's kept him going.
Beyond winning countless awards, McConaughey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration as he is a man with Faith in God, who is happily married and is an exemplary and proud father.
While we always need these kinds of heroes, the importance is unprecedented as the world seemingly becomes more deceitful and lacking in faith.
Beyond recommending this book as a read worth your time, I'd like to share the lesson I have been mulling over since first coming across it in his work.
All Light Turn Green. Eventually.
Yes. Even The Red Ones.
The illustration is quite straightforward, and its simplicity strikes me as I think to myself “why didn't I think about this before. He is so right!”
While the future is just shy of unpredictable, hindsight is popularly known for being 20/20.
It's always easy to see the good in the bad when the bads pass us and life seems good. But the moment catastrophes hit it isn't always easy to see the “bright side of things”.
Thing is, McConaughey, through every “red light” moment recounted in the text, ends with a simple line “Greenlight.”
And while I am not campaigning for irresponsible optimism, he makes a good point and provides a framework for thinking that while rose tinted, does better set us up for success.
He advocates for a few simple truths:
If the lights are red. Put the car in park, recharge, reassess, breathe and set up a new game plan.
These are the kind of life moments that are unexpected and seem to rip the rug from right under you. Sometimes they help you realize it was time for a new rug, other times it might be that the rug was the only thing you had to your name. Regardless, if you have life and breath, that light will eventually turn green. So work through it.
If you start to slow down, see the lights turned yellow, enjoy the moment, take in the views, and maybe let it all catch up to you.
These are perhaps the most common moments, the plateaus. They're not great. They're not awful. They just are. But here's the thing, you still need them to get from where you are to where you're going and you won't get there unless you wait them out. They too turn green.
And heck, if you ever come across a green light. Make sure you’re buckled up and press down hard on the gas, maybe try and catch a few of them in a row.
These are the kind of moments we all strive and yearn for. The ones we wake up at the crack of dawn for, those we invest our blood, sweat and tears into. They’re beautiful and hopefully come often, they're the kind that make us kick it into gear and rev into the sunset. Greenlights are some of life’s best experiences.
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My hope for you, this week and always is that no matter a situation's apparent color (red, yellow, or green), you find the way to make the most of it and turn it for your good.
Rest up at the reds, take in the scenery when they're yellow, and blow through the green ones when you can.
Life's a ride when it comes down to it. You choose how you're going to drive it.
-Making The Most Of Being Curious
Daniel J. Cuesta
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