Do You Know About The Fig Tree Analogy?

Do you know about the fig tree analogy?

It's from Slyvia Plath's novel The Bell Jar. It basically states what you could or could've been in life. The fig tree represents life and the figs represent all the options you have. You pick one, but must let go of all the others.

When you're all alone, in your bed, looking up at the ceiling, do you ever think of what might've been? what could've been? or what could be? Because I certainly do. I think about the risks I should've taken, the decisions I should've made and how it would shape my life. I think about how I dream of becoming an astronaut, a fashion designer, a business owner, a doctor, a journalist, a pianist and an artist. I think about how life would be if I experienced teenage romance.

I sometimes wonder if it's unhealthy to ponder about these things, after all we're taught to be content with what we have. And as depressing as it is, I also see the beauty in it. Imagine how life would be for you if you picked the wrong fig, or maybe the fig is still ripening, waiting for the perfect time to be harvested.

With all the options you have, I do hope you pick the right fig.