“I do not care for a monotonous life.”

“I do not care for a monotonous life.”-The Saga of Grettir the Strong

Placing this line in context, Grettir is warned not to enter a home where many deaths have occurred. After the lengthy recitation of the perils that lie within he replies simply:

“I do not care for a monotonous life.”

He enters the house and winds up staying the night.

That is Grettir’s way throughout his life. He is warned off from this or that danger, to which he shrugs and proceeds anyway.

In the course of shrugging and proceeding, he learns much, experiences much, endures and, well, becomes saga worthy.

There is no saga about those with monotonous lives who do not enter warned-of houses.

How monotonous would Grettir find your life?

Could anyone look to your habits. your conversation or that easily consulted public diary of minutia called Facebook and say "They will go to the movies on Saturday, post a recipe or video of someone else’s doings on Sunday, an “Aargh!” meme or poster on Monday, binge-watch Game of Thrones or play videogames on Tuesday, post ephemeral political outrage du jour on Wednesday, “I can’t wait for Friday” on Thursday, and do it all over again week after week after week.”

Bold lives are seldom made of such stuff.

Sagas are not written of bystanders, no one goes to sporting events to sit and face the spectators.

We do not choose movies, television shows, books, or video games about people who are very good at staying put.

We prefer sagas with Grettirs at their heart.

We clearly identify with bold lives.

Are you settling for a monotonous life?

"Ekki sætta þig við. Vertu hugrakkur!"

“Don’t settle. Be BOLD!"