Why it’s better to live a real life

By Ron Ciancutti 

I have a cartoon me and a real me.

Cartoon me has no history, no past. He never went to school, never had friends, was never married, and had no children. He smiles on cue and never loses sleep over stress or pressure. Sometimes I wish I could live like cartoon me—resistant to pain and difficulties.

On the other hand, real me has had a good share of challenges, like anyone else. Things like burying my dad at a young age, competing in the job market, fighting to secure an executive position with a well-respected company, and raising five children, among other challenges.