This is one of numerous little lies that we tell ourselves over and over again throughout our lives. It makes sense for a small child to fall victim to this mirage. It makes much less sense for us grown-ups. And, as with essentially everything else in life, this is completely false and utterly true at the same time. Everything is unique, (famously) every snowflake, every human, every day. So, in that sense this time really is different. But, everything is also basically a replay of things that preceded it. Feel free to take the rest of the day off to ponder this seemingly inconsistent set of claims (without proof of course!) If so, you may not want to study the wave/particle nature of light. This time is different, unless of course it isn’t.
Personally, this assertion comes to mind first in reference to economics. Every boom, every new technology, every stretched economy, market, or labor pool is viewed as somehow unique. Things can only go up (this time). This time is different because of (fill in the reason du jour). Mean reversion has been repealed; you must have missed the memo.
Similarly, an addict tells himself, after months or years of sobriety, that THIS time will be different. The abused spouse says to herself that he just had a bad day, this was an isolated event, this time it will NOT repeat. Parents, teachers, employers, boyfriends, neighbors, we all tell ourselves whatever we need to in order to cope. This time is seldom different.
Yet every snowflake is different. Are snowflakes not real?
Breath. Stop and get inside your body. Get out of your head. Make this time different. Make this unique snowflake the same as the one right next to it. Be present. Actually see the tree, don’t look at it! What needs to be different will reveal itself when we need it to be revealed. Maybe that is the moral– don’t worry. Trust. Breath. Be honest. Be kind and compassionate and child-like. Be optimistic. Be the difference!
Maybe this time can’t be different unless we (or some other sentient entity including rocks and forces of nature) make it so. Maybe this time must be different unless we (rock, force of nature) nudge it just so. Maybe there is only one thing. Maybe there is only one dimension? Maybe time is an illusion. Maybe everything really does taste like chicken. Maybe chicken doesn’t even taste like chicken.
Does “This time” really just mean “us”. Are we living in a dream of recycled energy and ideas and meanings? Is this just a repackaging of the significance of life or purpose or faith? Is everything the same or does it at least rhyme? Was this just one of those movies that end with the revelation that the whole darn thing was just a dream? Decide to be present in this moment. This moment will decide if it is best for it to be different or not. Trust this time. Trust yourself.
