There are, as demonstrated, a plethora of stories, symbols, metaphors, myths, characters and morals throughout human history that have survived the test of time and the reason for this is because they are deeply true. Maybe not literally, but symbolically. They resonate and they entice our human nature. These stories are archetypal. They captivate us because they are innately human stories. Thus we should take them seriously, for they are significant. They tell us who we are and how to move forward. They persuade us to live accordingly with them. They command that we leave similar stories for thefuture, because the history of humanity rests on these stories so to ignore their significance, to live a life in opposition to them is to deny your humanity and make the future worse.

Think of the phoenix, a distinct mythological creature. It is not a creature simply for the fantasy of story-tellers. It’s a symbol of what we all should be. Just like Jesus represents the bearing of your cross, they sacrifice for the good, the re- birth of the better, the phoenix represents the sacrifice of life for a better one. The phoenix sacrifices what’s most important in order to be re-born from the ashes of its very sacrifice. Is this not what you ought to do? We question what we must sacrifice in order to become better. Most of us do not truly want to know the answer, so we intentionally search in the wrong places. We convince ourselves that we have sacrificed enough, found enough meaningand purpose and are now “living the good life,” “we’ve made it.” The trouble is there is no endgame to sacrifice and betterment. The phoenix does not simply sacrifice once, is re-born and feels proud of itself thereon. The phoenix does this throughout its life because it can always be re- born better. We must do the same. Where do we find the answer to this innately human question: what should we sacrifice to find true meaning and purpose? Unfortunately, it is where we least want to look. Of all the stories we have explored thus far, the most captivating, the most deep and meaningful, the ones that have survived portray that greatest sacrifice produces the most meaningful reward. Jesus sacrificed his life for the good of humanity and was re-born better.

What should we sacrifice to find true meaning and purpose? Unfortunately, it is where we least want to look

The phoenix sacrifices it’s life to be better. This doesn’t mean you must sacrifice your life to be better because these are stories, so these are symbols of what we ought to do without literal intention. Therefore we must search for a sacrifice that we least want to sacrifice. We do this often without being aware of it. When we go to the gym after work, we sacrifice pleasure for our future so we will be better in the future and not happy now. When we have an uncomfortable conversation, we sacrifice comfort now for a more meaningful relationship in the future. When we swallow our pride and go to therapy and unload all that is hurting us, we are sacrificing our pride and comfort now for a future of knowledge and truthful identity. The bigger and more uncomfortable the sacrifice, the better the reward. Maybe you start off small and sacrifice the comfort of staying in bed all day tomorrow for getting out of bed, making it and then sitting on the couch all day. Maybe that sacrifice is all you can bear right now, maybe that’s your cross to bear. Perhaps later you are stronger and can bear heavier and heavier loads until you’re sacrificing for true meaning and purpose.

Keep On Struggling

Gregor

Game I Played This Week - Mafia

Last week, I stayiedmin Richmond in North Yorkshire with my partner’s family and friends. We played various games, one of which was Mafia which is a card game of deception requiring five or more players (the more thebetter). “If you are part of the mafia, the object of the game is to eliminate all the other players. If you are not part of the mafia, the object of the game is to eliminate all the mafia players” (1).

Check out the tutorial below.

CLICK HERE

Another Game I Played - Knockout Whist

“The ultimate object of knockout whist is to be the last player still "standing" at the end of the game, with the object in each round being to win a majority of tricks.” This was another fun game we played which I’d recommend as well.

Check out the rules below.

CLICK HERE

Recipe I Loved - Kale & Pomegranate Salad

During this week away, we all took turns making dinner (for around twenty people) and one of the recipes that was made was a variation of this salad. It was beautifully simple and tasty, mostly due to the contrast of pomegranate and vinegar. The recipe below is the closest I could find but the dressing we had contained white wine vinegar, olive oil and garlic.

Check out the recipe below.

CLICK HERE

Another Recipe I Loved - Vegan Mac & Cheese

When it came time for us to cook dinner, my partner and I made two Mac & Cheese dishes, one vegetarian and one vegan. My partner made the vegan variation and it was almost indistinguishable from the vegetarian one. This recipe uses onion, garlic and Applewood Smoked Vegan Cheese and I’m sure we’ll be using this recipe again.
P.S. the recipe below instructs that you discard the onions once they’re cooked but we decided to keep them in which was the right decision.

Check out the recipe below.

CLICK HERE

Quote to Ponder

Put one dumb foot in front of theother and course correct as you go - Barry Diller

References

1) https://gathertogethergames.com/mafia/

2) Kale Salad Image - https://www.healingtomato.com/kale-salad-with-pomegranate/#kale_salad_with_pomegranate

3) Mac & Cheese Image - https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/vegan-mac-n-cheese/