Throughout life we must constantly strive to maintain a balance between reality and dreams to be successful. Living only in the present, we forget their dreams and aspirations. Conversely, by immersing ourselves completely in memories, hopes and aspirations, we cut all ties with reality, becoming unfocused. In "A Drug Called Tradition," Sherman Alexie explores and offers a solution to balance dreams with reality.
"Don't slow dance with your skeletons."
As an older, wiser, Victor reflects on this statement made to him by a fellow Native American, Thomas, he realizes that the skeletons represent our past and future. They are our "memories, dreams, and voices. But they trap you in the in-between, between touching and becoming" (22). Thomas warns Victor not to spend too much time reminiscing or day-dreaming about the future because memories and dreams make promises and "tell you all the things you want to hear" (22). It is this appeal that lures us in, preventing our ability to take charge of our present situation.
The only way to maintain the balance is to "keep walking, keep moving, and not to wear a watch" (22). Skeletons of the past shadow us and skeletons of the future lead us trapping us in the present. As long as we keep in step between these two skeletons, and let them give us cues as to where we should be in life (the watch), the balance is kept - leaving us with one responsibility: to control the "now."
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