Wishing

Wishing is a tricky business

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My Mother would often say to some overexpectatius wish of mine, “ If wishes were horses, beggars would ride”. Clearly an expression with years of use. Moreover, an expression of brutal reality. Had I taken it to heart, I might’ve avoided a lot of bruises.

“Nothing comes to dreamers but dreams” is another. There are many such. All are intended to knock pollyannish fuzziness from our thinking. The antiquity of the expressions demonstrate the eternal necessity of clarification.

If you “Wish upon a star” the Star won’t notice. Sadly true, yet so hard to accept. Maybe in Heaven? Here on Earth, more is required than wishing. You need a plan.

Also sadly, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft a-glee”. Even “hardheaded” corporate HR-staffers seem oblivious to this – “Where do you plan to be five years from now”?

Wouldn’t we all like to know.

No one knows.

Plans alone, can’t make dreams come true; though they’re generally a good start. Luck is also needed - along with consistent effort.

Woody Alan famously said, “Half of success is just showing up”?

On the other hand, maybe it’s destiny, more than effort. At least, destiny, is a more attractive excuse than sloth.

So, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.

A wish is more likely to come true when accompanied by: a plan; luck; and consistent effort – none of which guarantees the wishing.

Which reminds me, guarantees aren’t what they used to be. Once, a lifetime-guarantee meant for life. Now, it’s more likely to mean for twenty years - or less. Everything starts and ends faster and faster - though not better and better.

Also, unfortunately, the wishes that do come true can have unfortunate consequences.

King Croesus aspired (wished) to attack the Persian Kingdom of Cyrus the Great. Croesus inquired of an oracle his chances for success. The oracle replied, “ if you attack Persia, a great empire will fall”. Croesus’s empire was the empire that fell.

Wishing is a tricky business.

Being kind and doing the best you can every day makes every day better - it also makes tomorrow better. If only wishing worked so well.

Que sera sera.

By K. L. Shipley

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