"But, that isn't practical, dear." This was my parent's concerned reply to every dream held by their children. Born of worry and offered in love, those words are the conditioned response of virtually every parent in America. It is a mantra that has been repeated by countless generations, accepted as prudent and wise, yet with no consideration for its true impact on our lives.
I don't think that word means what you think it does
What is practical? Most of us accept it to mean "safe." Safe is freedom from risk or harmless. Most of us make "safe" choices with our lives. We pursue "safe" careers with the prospect of a "safe" retirement. But practical does not mean safe. Practical means putting theory into practice.
An unsafe childhood
I did not enjoy a safe childhood. I thrived in a practical one. Every minute of every day, I was putting theory into practice. I tumbled as I put the theory of walking into practice. I scraped knees and dislocated joints while learning to ride a bike. Every new skill involved some risk and, occasionally, pain. But each new skill afforded me a greater sense of personal freedom and an increased sense of self-worth. Is it practical to experience a safe childhood, free of all of the dangers inherent in running, climbing, exploring, in short, everything that makes us stronger and more interesting?
As children, we are encouraged to use our imagination, dream big, and to try new things. Why is it then that we spend our childhoods engaged in idealistic pursuits only to betray that training upon our entry into the "real world?" By definition, this is impractical behavior because we are failing to put the theory and training of our childhood into practice. We betray our natures for the illusion of safety. How is it that the childhood refrain, "Why can't I?" becomes the adult whine, "Why I can't."
