Ever wonder why we humans are such peculiar creatures?

We’re constantly on this wild goose chase for Significance, as if life’s a cosmic game of hide-and-seek where we’re trying to find our own importance. And boy, do we love our souvenirs from this quest! Picture this: You’re standing in a gift shop of life, surrounded by shelves of experiences, relationships, and cheesy t-shirts that say, “I Survived My Existential Crisis and All I Got Was This Lousy Shirt.” What do you choose?

The Memento Mambo

We’re all doing this funny dance with mementoes. That pebble from the beach? It’s not just a rock; it’s a pint-sized philosopher asking, “Remember that time you felt tiny yet significant against the vast ocean?”

We’re basically squirrels, but instead of nuts, we hoard memories in physical form.

The Redemption Cha-Cha

And let’s not forget the redemption cha-cha! Two steps forward, one step back, twirl around and pat yourself on the back. We stumble and fall but get up with a story to tell. “Remember when I faceplanted? Well, now I’m a professional stunt double!” (Okay, maybe not, but we can dream, right?)

The Significance Salsa

In this dance of life, we’re all trying to leave our mark. It’s like we’re all equipped with invisible Sharpies, scribbling “I was here!” on the walls of existence.

We give gifts like we’re leaving breadcrumbs of meaning behind us. “Here, take this keychain. It means our friendship can unlock anything!” (Except that jar of pickles in the fridge.)

The Anthropological Tango

From an anthropological viewpoint, this whole shindig is a universal party. Every culture’s own moves, but we’re all dancing to the same beat of “Please, oh please, let my life have meaning!” Some cultures do it with elaborate gift-giving ceremonies, others with epic quests. We modern folks? We do it with selfies and souvenir magnets.

The Psychological Polka

Psychologically speaking, we’re polka-ing through a maze of memories, emotions, and “What was I thinking?” moments. We’re constantly rewriting our life’s script, turning plot holes into character development. “That embarrassing moment? Oh, that was just foreshadowing for my great comeback!”

So, next time you buy a tacky snow globe or keep a movie ticket stub, remember you’re not just hoarding random objects*. You’re a meaning-making, significance-seeking, redemption-chasing human being, doing the cosmic conga line of life. Who’s up for a game called “Pin the Significance on the Existence”? No? Just me? Alright then, I’ll be over here, trying to find the hidden meaning in my collection of mismatched socks. Care to join?

May harmony find you (on this crazy quest)

Irena Phaedra

*CYcrds™

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