I used to believe in destiny. It’s a cozy place to sit — because when things go wrong, destiny is an easy culprit. But then someone taught me about free will. And suddenly Frost’s The Road Not Taken felt like a challenge: the path matters. The choosing matters. The act of stepping forward matters.
“I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.” ~ Buddha
Back in college, a group of friends decided to get matching tattoos. I didn’t — partly because I’d had too much to drink, partly because I wasn’t ready to commit to something permanent. Years later, some of them still have theirs, some have tried to erase them, and I finally got one of my own. Not because of destiny, but because I chose it. Because I wanted it. Because I was ready.
And that’s the point. Fate might nudge, but free will is what inks the story. So, do I think everything happens for a reason? I think things happen, and then we give them reason. We assign meaning.
“Amor Fati.” Love your fate — not because it was written for you, but because you helped write it.
“Amor Fati.” ~ Latin for Love your Fate
Sometimes the fall is worth the risk. Sometimes you have to jump off destiny’s safe little ledge and stop letting her shield you. That’s the beautiful, maddening part of being human. Lucky us.
Cover image is a screenshot of my tattoo, Amor Fati. Today’s post inspired by the WordPress daily prompt: Do you think everything happens for a reason?
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DISCLAIMER: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Nothing here is medical, nutritional, or therapeutic advice. Also, I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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