There's a good deal of mystery to life. As I think of many events in the past few months, I realize that I would not have predicted many of them. What I thought might happen years ago actually turned out quite differently. Specifically these events have included new friendships, untimely deaths, people's professional choices, and other matters related to romance and relationships.
Sometimes we can predict the future, and sometimes we can't. There is a great deal of mystery in life.
So how do we live life in the face of this mystery. What can we do?
As I thought of this today, I gathered the following thoughts.
First, love as well as you can when given that opportunity. You never know when the people you love will no longer be with you. It's a grim thought, but a thought that makes you realize that every moment with those you love is a significant, important, and valuable moment. Don't be cavalier about life, but instead embrace life with fullness, intention, and the will to love as much as you can.
Next, when you can give, give. There are times in life when it is difficult to be generous for all kinds of reasons, so when you can be generous, do that. Our generosity and good acts can significantly and positively impact the lives of others and our own lives.
And, be open to the changes and surprises life brings. I have a new friend in my life. I didn't expect this friendship to grow, but due to time and circumstance, this new friend has been a welcome surprise in my life. She brings positivity and wisdom to me. What a gift!
Live simply. Sometimes I think of this as the "empty drawer" way of living since when you leave a few drawers empty, you always have a place to put things. In the same way, when you live in a simple way, it's likely that you'll have the energy, resources, and space to give more and love more when called to do that. There are few to no things that trump our ability to nurture good relationships and good living amongst those we love and care about.
Creativity brings the magic to life. Use your energy to create in ways that uplift your life and the lives of others. We can create via writing, drawing, building, gardening, planning events and more. As humans, we have the ability to create good living in multiple ways, and investing our energy, time, and resources into building positive objects, events, and opportunities brings the joy and stability that counters the =angst that the mystery of life sometimes presents.
There are many mysteries in life. These mysteries remind us that we have only so much control in what happens to us and around us, but via love, generosity, simplicity, open-mindedness, and creativity we are able to live well in the midst of this mystery, and this is good. Onward.