I suppose I try to steer things in a way that make the odds for the unpredictable more favorable than they might have been had not tried to influence them and prepare for better results. Luck and happenstance will always be part of the equation, but we can, in a lot of ways, give ourselves a greater probability of success and happiness with good and realistic planning. I think accepting that some bad things will inevitably happen at some point at least gives us some foundation for recovery when they inevitably do happen.
I agree, Bruce. I like your strategy of doing what one can to prepare for the inevitable difficult times. Life is full of beauty and hardship so make the best of both, right? As always, thanks for reading and commenting.
Your painting sums it up perfectly, Gracie. There is often, perhaps always, a sense of order within chaos, and we can only control what we can control.
Exactly, Michael! The younger me used to think if I worked hard enough and behaved - what? appropriately? - then I could make order. Now I know that isn’t so (and it wasn’t just b/c I didn’t behave appropriately…it’s the way of the universe and the self). Thanks for reading and commenting.
I suppose I try to steer things in a way that make the odds for the unpredictable more favorable than they might have been had not tried to influence them and prepare for better results. Luck and happenstance will always be part of the equation, but we can, in a lot of ways, give ourselves a greater probability of success and happiness with good and realistic planning. I think accepting that some bad things will inevitably happen at some point at least gives us some foundation for recovery when they inevitably do happen.
I agree, Bruce. I like your strategy of doing what one can to prepare for the inevitable difficult times. Life is full of beauty and hardship so make the best of both, right? As always, thanks for reading and commenting.
You’re welcome, Gracie!
I appreciate you for articulating so well things that make me think and consider things that matter in a better way.
I've come to accept that the only thing I can control is my reaction to things. That makes the difference for me and my equanimity.
And nice art!
Thanks! It was fun to play with that!
It takes a lot of practice to control one’s reaction. I doubt I will ever get there!
I didn't say I was successful, I just know how'd I'd like to react!
Wait??? What??? You haven’t mastered that yet??? I was counting on you! 😂
Your painting sums it up perfectly, Gracie. There is often, perhaps always, a sense of order within chaos, and we can only control what we can control.
Exactly, Michael! The younger me used to think if I worked hard enough and behaved - what? appropriately? - then I could make order. Now I know that isn’t so (and it wasn’t just b/c I didn’t behave appropriately…it’s the way of the universe and the self). Thanks for reading and commenting.