# (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
# something that causes an important event to happen
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
I tend to believe that we should not make major life decisions while under the influence of anything but ourselves. That is to say, don’t decide to change your life while drunk, high, hungover, brokenhearted, euphoric, or extremely tired.
But, isn’t this when most of us do make these major life decisions? Something has to push us to change. The force that drives the change, the catalyst, must exist. If it’s not one of the above, what else is it? Is it a one too many meetings where you realize you are no longer engaged or buying in? Is it an epiphany that allows you to see the world as it is–realistically, instead of as you desire it to be. Now, a point of contention here from your friendly local idealist–we have to be able to see the world as we desire it, else we have no hope, no vision of what could be better, nor are we prepared for what could be worse. Not that I think people should dwell on the negative but I do believe we must face the potential.
Wha?
Ha! This was from some early morning, late night contemplation. I was ruminating on what makes us change. Where do we find the push and motivation to make a change in our lives. All that jazz. Very relevant to my meeting the other night etc.