The Dodfather: Building Character

I don’t often find myself strolling through a sterile florescent labyrinth of hospital halls on my merry way to a mental ward, but when I do it tends to leave an impression. Things stand out, like the dripping water fountain that left an age old pool in its drainless basin, or the dead eyes affixed to the breathing body of a close relative. For me it has always seemed that my most trying times have defined me as an individual.

I still remember how the dad in “Calvin and Hobbes” always passed off his son’s misery with chores or camping as “building character.” A funny concept, but one I’ve also found to be uncomfortably true.

It has not been my long days of rest and relaxation that pumped the blood that runs in my veins alone. I’ve come to realize how true it is that “the hottest ovens produce the hardest metals.”

That phrase echoed around in my mind as I passed the drippy fountain and stared at the barred double doors at the end of the hall. I knew I’d need to open them, but every inch of me screamed to turn and run.

But then something strange clicked in my mind and I began to love every one of life’s little crucibles, stacked high as they are. Still more bizarre than the thought was its suddenness. But when it comes down to it the idea itself isn’t that complicated. Basically, “when life sucks and everything is terrible, it’s safe to assume you’re learning something.” Oh, and that’s also the philosophical basis of modern education.

I guess it’s a little sick, but each challenge brings with it a little grin, even as I grit my teeth. So why let my tribulations penetrate my skin? Each defeat gives only contrast to the next victory and perspective to the next loss.

So why not approach life with a little enthusiasm? Why not “Sparta kick” open those doors at the end of the hall and yell “Yo, whatup” for all the world to hear? After all, the worst that can happen is that I’ll be judged by people whose opinions I couldn’t care less about

Life is a struggle but it is one we are all resigned to, like it or not. Yet, the fact remains that regardless of what you do, regardless of your choices, forgetting your triumphs and trials we will all live with ourselves for as long as our story goes on. So when I build my own character, I intend to like him.