The Grand Illusion

“Before you keep up with Joneses, be sure they're not trying to keep up with you."

~ Erma Bobeck

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In 1977, the band Styx released the album entitled, The Grand Illusion. The album was an instant success and became a triple platinum seller. The lyrics to title track tells of the struggle that many people endure when they define their lives by the lives of others. The lyrics state:

“So if you think your life is complete confusion

'cause your neighbors got it made

Just remember that it’s a grand illusion

And deep inside were all the same."

The confusion the lyrics speak of is the byproduct of viewing the apparent effect of things and not of the things themselves.  When one only views the apparent effect of things, "Cause your neighbor has it made," the perception can distort the reality.  People who constantly try to measure up to others will live life confused.  Why? They're living a life that’s not consistent with who they actually are.  They become so consumed with what others have that they lose focus of what they have.  Hence, they examine their life from what they don’t have.  Because of this focus, they create their own external circumstances to produce more of what is lacking.   They desperately seek what they perceive to be lacking: wealth, material goods, success, happiness and/or fame.   Since these variables are subjective variables, they measure their value based upon the standards of others; resulting in a lifestyle that robs them of their uniqueness.  They will constantly struggle with who they are and who they want to become.  

Styx reminds us not to be influenced by appearances.  Appearances can be a grand illusion. So forget about "The Joneses" and their lifestyle. It’s time to embrace your own uniqueness.   There is a reason why there is only one you. You were created to be special. Be proud of who you are and live your life according to your standards!  It was Shakespeare who said, “To thine self be true” and that statement cannot be any more true!

It’s your life: live it, love it and celebrate it!

MJD