Slow down you crazy child…

“Slow down, you crazy child
You’re so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you’re so smart, then tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?
You’d better cool it off before you burn it out
You’ve got so much to do
And only so many hours in a day

…When will you realize… Vienna waits for you?”-Billy Joel, Vienna

In counseling this week, my psychologist and I were discussing my need to be in control of things at all times in my life and how it scares me to let go of control and let God take control of things. We discussed my literal fear of sitting in the drivers seat and letting another person drive the car while I (God forbid!) rested. As we were discussing this, the song Vienna came to mind.

“Slow down, you’re doing fine
You can’t be everything you want to be
Before your time
Although it’s so romantic on the borderline tonight
Too bad but it’s the life you lead
You’re so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you’re wrong, you know
You can’t always see when you’re right, you’re right”

In interviews Billy Joel has said that the city of Vienna, Austria which he sings about waiting for you is a metaphor for the rest of your life. My entire life I have been in such a rush to have certain things happen that I have been known to force the issue, and it has always ended with disastrous circumstances. Whether it be in my relationships, art, school studies I have been so ahead of myself that I have forgotten what I needed at the very moment. To paraphrase Yoda, I have always had my mind on the stars and not on the here and now.

This needs to change.