Is life just a series of distractions, a perpetual hunt for fun things to fill the hours until the big fade to black? It’s an interesting question—one I often contemplate between watching You’ve Got Mail for the hundredth time and debating whether to splurge on Joey’s next grooming session. At first glance, it might seem like life really is just a well-decorated waiting room, complete with a Netflix queue and overpriced espresso martini's. But let’s dig a little deeper. Is that really all there is?
Spoiler alert: No. Life is more than that. And not just because Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks have taught us that a well-written email can change your life.
So let’s dive in, shall we? Here are three convincing reasons why life is about more than just finding fun things to do until you die. Lessons I've learned from watching too many 90's movies and TV shows.
Reason 1: Life is Full of Existential Raptors
Let’s talk Jurassic Park (cause I always do). Sure, it’s a movie about dinosaurs, but it’s also a masterclass in existential terror. Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum at his finest) warns us that life, uh, finds a way. Life isn’t just about the fun distractions—it’s about grappling with the metaphorical raptor that’s always lurking in the corner (clever girl). And yes, sometimes that raptor is your fear of being single forever or wondering if you’ll ever figure out what you’re truly meant to do.
But here’s the thing: Jurassic Park isn’t just about surviving; it’s about awe. It’s about those moments when you see a brachiosaurus for the first time (or, in real life, when you witness something unexpectedly beautiful, like your dog finally learning to let go of a sock). Life isn’t just the chase—it’s also the wonder.
So no, life isn’t just about having fun. It’s about dodging metaphorical dinosaurs, finding moments of awe, and trying not to get eaten along the way. And honestly, isn’t that better than just killing time?
Reason 2: You’re the Star of Your Own Seinfeld Episode
In the world of Seinfeld, everything is about nothing, right? But what makes it so iconic is that “nothing” turns out to be everything. A loaf of bread that was coughed on, a weird neighbour, or a date with two-face, becomes a saga worth telling. Life, much like Seinfeld, is about those ridiculous, sometimes mundane, moments that somehow add up to something bigger.
Think about it: your life isn’t just about chasing fun—it’s a comedy of errors starring you. Whether you’re debating the ethical implications of double-dipping at a party or spiralling over exposing your nipple to your entire contact list, you’re living your own sitcom. And the best part? You’re the main character.
So no, life isn’t just a highlight reel of fun activities. It’s also a collection of “nothing” moments that, with the right perspective (and a strong drink), turn into your best stories.
Reason 3: The Sopranos Taught Us That Even Mob Bosses Need Therapy
In The Sopranos, Tony Soprano juggles running a mob family, managing his actual family, and grappling with existential dread. Sound familiar? No, I’m not implying you’re running a criminal empire (unless you count trying to get your laundry done as a high-stakes operation). But like Tony, we’re all looking for meaning amidst the chaos.
What makes The Sopranos so brilliant is that it’s not just about the action—it’s about the introspection. Tony goes to therapy because he realizes that life can’t just be about power and gabagool—it has to mean something. For us, that might look less like a session with Dr. Melfi and more like putting on Bob's Burgers and disassociating, but the principle remains the same. Life isn’t just about the surface-level fun; it’s about trying to figure out the deeper “why.”
And hey, if Tony Soprano can take a break from mob hits to think about his childhood trauma, you can take a break from brunch plans to consider what makes your life meaningful. Bonus points if you also have a well-stocked fridge of gabagool while you’re at it.
Life Isn’t Just About Fun—It’s About Connection
Now, let’s take a cue from You’ve Got Mail. Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) start as rivals, but their email exchanges reveal something deeper: life is about connection. Sure, they find joy in their witty banter and mutual love of books, but what really transforms them is the vulnerability and understanding they share.
Fun is fleeting, but connection—whether it’s with a person, a dog, or even yourself—is the real point of the whole messy thing. It’s about opening yourself up, even when you’re scared. Because if Kathleen Kelly can forgive Joe Fox for basically ruining her life, you can probably forgive yourself for not having everything figured out by 35.
Sex and the City Knew Life Was About More Than Cosmos
Finally, let’s not forget Sex and the City. Yes, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha spent plenty of time sipping cocktails and shopping for shoes, but the heart of the show was always their friendship. Life wasn’t just about having fun—it was about showing up for each other, whether that meant helping Samantha when she got sick or supporting Carrie through her many Mr. Big disasters.
Your version of this might look less glamorous (think yoga pants instead of Manolos), but the principle is the same. Life is more than just killing time—it’s about showing up, connecting, and finding meaning in the people who matter.
So, What’s the Answer?
Is life just finding fun things to do until you die? No, but the fun things are still part of it. Life is about dodging existential dinosaurs, starring in your own sitcom, and maybe even taking a cue from Tony Soprano and asking the hard questions. It’s about wonder, connection, and those “nothing” moments that turn into everything. And if you can laugh along the way—preferably with a cocktail in one hand and a dog leash in the other—all the better.
So keep looking for fun, but don’t forget to look for the deeper stuff too. As Kathleen Kelly would say, “Don’t you love New York in the fall?” Or in this case, don’t you love the fact that life, no matter how messy, always finds a way?
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