I was asked the standard question once again the other day, the one we have heard all our life which has caused us to struggle as we thought the best answer: if you were stuck on a deserted island, what two things would you want with you? Everyone in the class began to think, probably planning their survival. They were thinking of the basic necessities or tools they would want.
I thought differently though. It's getting to the busiest part of the semester. Teachers like to cram in one last test and one last paper before Thanksgiving break. This week I have five tests and two papers along with the basic reading assignments, work and trying to spend time with my friends. Asking me to imagine myself stuck on a deserted island is a dream come true at this moment. It would just be me, a book of fairy tales and a hammock.
That’s right. I would gladly volunteer at this point to be put on a deserted island. No homework assignments exist on an island populated by one; no tests are given, there aren’t any politicians and people who are vying for my attention. Islands are a stress-free zone; at least, I’ll make that a law on my deserted island. I can make the law since it’s deserted. I’m the only one there and I'll be the ruler! So, I’ll spend my days lounging in my hammock or in the sand. I’ll read my book or sleep the day away.
This may sound a little ridiculous. Most people think in terms of survival: how can I get off the island or how can I get the basic necessities to live until I’m rescued? These people must like stress in their life. They are stressing over survival and returning to a stressful life back in an overpopulated world. My years of Girl Scouts trained me for this moment, though. I didn’t just learn how to sell cookies. I know how to build shelter, find fresh water, get food and make a fire. I could survive.
I could live out a peaceful and quiet life. I would name it and make a constitution implementing me the leader-that way if someone does wash up by chance on the shore, they will already know I am the ruler. I would find animals and make them my pets. I would name them and be their friend. At night, I would make a campfire in the sand and sit next to it. I then would sing songs from the past until I fell asleep. The deserted island life is the life for me.
And what if I can’t find fresh water? Or what if I can’t find food? Then I will have a peaceful and happy death on an island, completely relaxed. I will go in my hammock while reading my book of fairy tales. I don’t see what’s so bad about this plan. If I survive the first few months, at some point I’m still going to die. Moving to a deserted island really only has two outcomes: dying sooner or dying later. As long as I’m happy and stress-free, I don’t really care which one.
So really, all you need for a deserted island is a hammock, a book and a chill attitude. Being by myself with no stress sounds fantastic right now. If anyone knows of a deserted island, please let me know. I will gladly go occupy it today.
