I am an avid hand sanitizer user, so it only makes sense to write about it. That’s why I believe hand sanitizer is a metaphor for life. I’ve even thought of some reasons to back my belief up.
To start off, hand sanitizer comes in a compact bottle. I can either flip open the cap and see what’s going on inside, or I could keep it shut. Which means that I could either seek out many possibilities, or I could sit on the sidelines, wondering what all the hubbub is about. And even though bottles of sanitizer are clear, looks can be deceiving. So I just say, “What do I have to lose?”
Second, life is full of problems; it’s a given. And also, grimy hands is a definite at least some point in life. But with a little bit of time and elbow grease, the dirt and problems will wash off. Most problems, like dirt, are only temporary. So even though it hurts at the time, I just keep the thought that things will get better with time in the back of my mind.
Third, there are many different types and brands of hand sanitizer (i.e. Germ-X, Purell, generic brands, etc.). I am able to choose whichever type I please. And the same goes with life…I have the power to choose what path I want. That guy standing next to me looking at the Dora the Explorer toothbrushes can’t choose which brand of sanitizer that’s right for me mainly because what suits him best might not suit me at all…which is exactly like life. My friends and family can guide me through it all, but it’s up to me whether I want to screw up my life, or make it fantastically amazing.
Next, on every bottle of hand sanitizer, there is a warning label stating many things. It tells me that this stuff is flammable, it gives the ingredients, and it even gives a toll-free number to call if I have a comment or concern. And in life, there are a set of rules and guidelines that the world should live by (i.e. don’t drink and drive, beating innocent civilians is wrong, stealing cars is a ‘no-no’, etc.). Unfortunately, not all people follow these rules, and end up having a contest to see who can get the most hand sanitizer in their eyes.
Last, hand sanitizer doesn’t come in one set size…there are many different sizes. I can either buy the small bottle, or the ginormous one. In life, I can either choose to dream BIG, or really small. The choices are there…and once again, it’s up to me to decide what is right for my needs. I prefer to buy in bulk.
I believe life is almost exactly the same as hand sanitizer. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. Sadly, unlike life, I can have more than one bottle of hand sanitizer. So I have to cherish my life and make the best of it.