trophy hand-offs & treasure hunts
Recently, I caught myself thinking about the things I’ve sought after in my life. Sitting there, I started to consider the current things I’m seeking after, and began asking myself why. Why those things? Why those people? And why those places? As I pondered more and more, two words kept coming to my mind — trophies and treasures. In a matter of minutes I became more than intrigued with those two words and what clarity they could bring to my thoughts.
I remember being obsessed with the idea of treasure hunts as a kid. When my brothers were building forts I was busy drawing out my designs on how to turn the whole house into an island and then map out exactly where the treasure could be hidden. However, I can’t remember being as interested in trophies. Every kid can’t say that though, as some of my best friends were ending each school year with a handful of trophies and certificates to add to their collection. It always looked enticing, but never enough for me to join the club or go to try-outs that next year. I have a memory full of respecting the ones who set goals to get the prizes or win the trophy, but I hadn’t ever stopped to think about what any of that meant for me — not until recently.
When I started to define both words in my own mind I was then able to start seeing the differences. I think we all know that there’s a vagueness that comes with the idea of treasure. Maybe that’s what draws me toward it. There is no exact image for what a treasure is because what one person may describe as valuable, the next person may not. I believe that is what makes the hunt more personal. The word itself is associated with searching. In this case, something is getting sought out and the goal is usually kept private. It could be an item or it could be an accumulation that is kept carefully but either way, we often find worth in how long it was stored. Treasures have value because they are desirable and useful.
On the other hand, trophies can be just as appealing. They symbolize some level of achievement, so we are naturally attracted to them. Sometimes they are retrieved by a vote, an approval from others. Many times they are associated with winning, and other times they are given because of participation. The achievements being rewarded usually include a performance of sorts. And while some trophies do have value, they are usually placed on a shelf or some other public or private area of display where people can only observe them. Their primary purpose is to be observed, not used.
At this point of my thought process I began understanding my own feelings and ideas surrounding what it is that I tend to value. I thought “you get a trophy because other people feel like you deserve it, but you go get treasure because you know that you deserve it.”
In a society that applauds mediocrity and despises correction I think it speaks volumes to earn something. Getting handed participation trophies creates a foundation rooted in entitlement when more often than not, the ones that work generously reap the benefit and prosper. I am forever grateful that I was taught that it is okay to come back from losing. Chasing trophies doesn’t allow that mindset, whereas hunting for treasure is a constant reminder that we can earn it. As a matter of fact, I believe there is a shallow and superficial nature that comes when you shrink back from every trial. I’m convinced there is a way to “suffer forward.” It’s in doing so that we see how treasures become trophy status when we lose sight of real and useful value. To go after something simply because it looks pretty, yet it does no real good in our lives is really quite vain. Yes, these things may bring a sense of emotional satisfaction but we know emotions are the most fleeting. Now, trophies usually mean you’ve achieved something so by all means, celebrate your wins! However, I’ve started to ask myself how often those results actually yield what I thought they would. When we chase trophies we deceive ourselves into believing that we have accomplished something great, when in fact nothing has been accomplished. Even while celebrating a win, my mind often wanders to why those trophy hand-offs seem so fleeting. Maybe because it’s on display, maybe because it’s a heightened moment shared with so many people, maybe because I don’t like attention as much as I think I do. Whatever the reason, I keep finding more value in the treasure hunts of life. They never make the most sense but they do create the best stories. Rarely do they come with a map, but somehow I’m met with more guidance than I ever could have imagined. We’ve got to know why we choose what we choose — is it for vanity’s approval or is it because you value from this effort? There is always room to refine your choices, for without refinement we won’t know purity.
Although none of us have the ability to make a thing last forever, we aren’t powerless in this life. Each day, we have the opportunity to find what matters to us and do our best to nurture that thing. I truly believe that is the most beautiful quality of life. So, these days I make it a point to look and reflect on what I have in me and around me. I do this so that I can know that whatever I possess is because I treasure it’s value in my life and not because someone handed me a trophy that happens to look good in my life. May our efforts look less like chasing trophies and more like hunting treasure.
