Here I go...
Based on my daughter's ability to answer the question "How old are you?" just before she was a year old, I'm going to say somewhere around 11 months is the age a person is when they are unable to answer a question about their age. If the question had asked, do they understand how old they were/are, well, I'd likely have a different answer.
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
I think many people feel that the 'right' answer is that it is better to try and fail, then to never try at all. I think there is even a magnet or something along the lines of "It is Better To Have Loved and Lost, Than to Never Have Loved At All." While I agree with that in terms of love, I'm not sure that is the right answer for all things in life. For example, if you are without Batman's ability to leap between tall buildings, or glide gracefully from a 20 storey building, I really don't think it would be wise to try it ;)
I have been thinking about this in my own life recently. I've been debating over the last couple of years whether or not I want to apply and eventually complete a Master program. I'm divided by taking the 'easy' route of an MPA (Master of Public Administration), which would likely be nearly fully funded by my employer and completed at my local university. I'd also be able to complete it will working full-time. Or do I really follow my dream and apply to a Master of Counselling program out of province, not funded by my employer. And even if I do apply, will I be accepted? Will I be able to complete the course work adequately with a husband and child? At this point, I'm so hesitant about the possibility of failing at it, I don't even want to try. However, I know that if I wait too long, or never do it (either one at this point), it will be one of my greatest regrets.
C'est la vie. Such is life. Life is full of things we don't always enjoy, but are required of us. Obligations to family, friends, work...the list is endless. I do hope that most people are able to balance these not so fun things, with things that they enjoy. We've all heard about balance, and the importance of it.
I do think that often we get trapped in the status quo. Almost like a rut. I think we've all seen quotes, inspiration ads about changing our lives to make it better, more enjoyable, etc. Doing things as drastic as quitting our jobs etc. But many of us don't and never will take such leaps of faith for potential happiness or fulfillment. Why is that? Fear of the unknown is surely part of the reasons. But so is responsibility, and dare I say comfort in the status quo. We often talk about how frustrating and sometimes boring it can be to be in a rut. But there is some comfort in it as well. Knowing what to expect at our job day to day, the routine at home. Humans are creatures of habit, so it isn't so hard to believe that we do so many things we don't like because they are part of our daily lives (ie responsibilities), which for me at least, is comforting. The key for me to a fulfilling life is to find excitement and thrills in new experiences - like travel, a new restaurant or class. Simple things.
