I had a really cool conversation about destiny recently which I don't really want to divulge here because it's private, but it made me think about some things in respect of the topic and what it might mean for me, or anyone else for that matter.
Destiny is, quite simply put, the events that'll happen to a person in the future. It's not something that's set or programmed, or guaranteed, to occur but in hindsight the word is often used to allude to the certainty a person was to achieve something. For instance, parents may look back on their child who has achieved greatness as a musician and say, she was always destined to do great things as she was so dedicated to her music lessons as a child. The word also is used to describe a hidden power that is purported to control the future events...hidden powers are great, it worked for Superman, but I think there's more to achievement than hidden powers.
Here's what I've been thinking about; should a person rely on destiny or fate for their successes and ultimate life or should one take a more active role when it comes to their own progression, growth, development and ultimate future?
I know the answer to that in respect of myself...for sure I like to play a part in my future, shape and design it as I'd like it to be and relying on some "higher power" is not in my nature; I rely on my thoughts and attitudes, my actions, determination, resilience, persistence, intelligence, flexibility, adaptability and discipline to name just a few elements essential to one's success. Essentially, *I'm responsible for my achievements, not destiny, fate, that fictional character called Jesus or even the mighty (and totally fucken real) Thor, god of war and fertility.
I do not believe we are able to control destiny per se, to climb aboard it and ride forwards to our desired outcomes. That's called hope, laziness too I guess and a sense of entitlement perhaps. No, sitting back waiting for destiny as a mode of transport to take us to where we want to go and what we want in life isn't going to get us far.
What we can do however, is control, affect and influence what we put into our destiny in the present to affect what we get out of it later; we can work hard, set goals and plans and take steps towards achieving them and that is something which will carry us forward and to our desired outcomes.
Over my life I've seen too many people assume the role of passenger in their own lives and they've reaped the mediocre, uninspiring and unfulfilled results that passive stance earns them. I've also seen people do the opposite, take ownership and their harvest has been bountiful. It's a choice, a pretty easy one in my opinion, but certainly not always easy to deploy and sustain. I think that's one of the reasons people defer to the ethereal thing called destiny and hope rather take a more active role; hard work is hard.
Every one of us has a destiny to fulfill and every one of us will have a chance to look back at their life, attitudes and actions, at some stage (now or in the future) and feel regretful or contented with them and what they have achieved.
One of the things I asked the person I mentioned above was whether they were happy with their life in this very moment and if so why. There was no response. I then asked, if they felt they'd done everything they could to achieve their goals. My final question was, what could you do now and moving forward to create a happy, fulfilled and meaningful life? It wasn't a question I wanted an answer to, but is a question I think every single person should be asking themselves each morning when they wake up.
Destiny has a beginning and that beginning is now.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
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I certainly do believe in steering my own ship. As far as destiny set by a higher power, I don't believe that idea holds much water, as we have infinite free will to make our own decisions. On the other hand, destiny as it pertains to things likely to occur in the future, based on decisions made today makes more sense to my brain. Do I really know though? Hell no, but I do my best to head in the direction I want to go, although I do get distracted by....'oh look, a puppy'
People just want the easy option even if that option means they do very little or nothing to contribute to their future outcomes; not all people, but a lot of them. Heading in the right direction means doing something and I get the impression you do, no matter how many puppies come along.
I think reliying on destiny is setting your future self up for failure.
I believe the whole life is a huge butterfly effect, where every action you make changes the future of your life and so also every action left undone will have an impact as well.
I totally agree and like how you put it; the actions we don't take have as much impact as the ones we do. It's easy for people to sit back and not take control of their future and usually more difficult to do the opposite and play an active part and in a society leaned towards taking the easy path well...there's no shortage of people taking that path...and only a few who are actually creating their best life.
Hi @galenkp, I hope you consider me within the group of those who don't believe in fate. I very much agree with what you raise in the publication, destiny begins every day and depends on what we do or fail to do. The point I wanted to make is about bad decisions.
This year I have had two cases of very depressed professionally successful people. Unfortunately for them, they worked very hard to achieve a life that was not theirs (now they live it as a meaningless life). They did what was expected of them. They chose the career they didn't like because it was the right thing to do, and then worked hard for decades at jobs they didn't like. Now they feel like their life has slipped away.
Back on topic, I believe that the set of good decisions, clear goals, along with hard work are what give life meaning.
Greetings.
I feel sorry for those two professionals although the fact is they took the decisions that led them to where they are and only have themselves to blame. I wonder if they're happy but suspect that they are not, not deeply happy anyway. Money won't buy it nor will it buy time back.
I agree with this completely, well said.
That's right, they are responsible for their decisions.
I hope you are enjoying a great night, I still have a day ahead of me here, and a busy one at that.
Sorry, a late response (been super busy in my professional life.)
It's Thursday afternoon (after work) and I'm looking forward to Friday ending so I can start my weekend - I need it!
There is nothing to apologize for, Galen. I'm going into work now and won't be able to read your latest post for a few hours. So I understand very well that there is a life to attend to.
I'll visit you later.
This post reminded me of tv show The Last Kingdom where the main character kept saying that Destiny is all. I think he was partly correct. But I also believe that we create our own destiny. If we work towards a better outcome it becomes more likely to happen.
I am quite happy with my life at the moment. I believe in Hive and I focus my efforts here towards a better future. I would be happier if my mother and our favorite neigbour would be younger. Now my mother is 65 and our neigbour will turn 79 on monday. But even those numbers are not to bad because some people live to 90+ years.
Yeah, I've seen it. Uhtred of Bebbanberg had many good sayings in the series.
I totally believe we are responsible for our futures and are also responsible if they don't turn out as well as we want. Of course, sometimes matters outside our control can derail our best efforts, but it's through ownership and discipline and taking the right actions from there that a better path can be found.
Destiny does not exist, only what we make it.... more or less like this was a sentence from the movie Terminator, I always remember it, when I saw it decades ago.
Life is just a set of decisions we make, according to these will be the results, without action there is no magic wand. If we want to change our future we must act accordingly and shape it ourselves.
Most people make bad decisions, or none at all; both situations often lead to suboptimal results.
You are right. And those who don't take any then complain.
I think that a person is destined for certain meetings and events in life. But a person also creates his own destiny by making any choice at the moment. Even a few words spoken in a fit of strong emotions can change a person’s life and these words can come true several years later.
Words can be powerful and have lasting positive effects, or negative of course.
A very interesting reflection and many questions of which most know the answers, but only the brave assume their reality. I am glad that your values are so great that you enjoy the privilege of having made good decisions in the past, not everyone is able to develop the security to pursue what they want and many are even affected by external factors, but if you ask yourself that last question, you might discover that being alive and healthy is enough to start again.
There is a lot behind the word “destiny”, but as you say, we have the choice to be passengers in our own lives or take control and make a change. I just know that being happy is the most important thing, even though many have a different meaning for happiness.... I like this very much Galenkp, I send you a sincere hug my brother! ✌️
I'm glad you found something of value and it sounds like you're one who applies such things to your own life. ✅
Isn't it interesting how many times destiny is also tied to the idea of happiness? Something I just thought of as I was reading your post. Not always of course, but when we talk about destiny, it's often focused on the positive outcomes of the word. Sure you do hear people talk about someone and say things like "they were destined to end up in prison", but it's not nearly as common.
Yep, good point. Maybe that's people's sense of hope coming through, I'm not sure to be honest. People have good intentions for things to work out but destiny isn't going to make it happen, actions will (as per my post), so I don't think that destiny is responsible for negative results either. Maybe it's best not to use the word as liberally as we do.
"They were destined to fail due to the inaction, poor planning and lack of correct equipment and training," seems a better and more accurate statement than, "they were destined to fail."
Just an example of course, but the word, destiny, takes on a different meaning in the above context I think.
Yes, I agree with you, context is very important. It's important to include the "why" component when you are using the word. It kind of gives it a whole different meaning.
Indeed, it's thoughtful and well written content. I also do believe that destiny as some people perceive it as a game changer, which might be a ble to change once life at the lesser part in their live may seem true but I feel it holds no water as only hard working individuals do most at times have a complete over turn in life. That's changing their lives from serious poverty to manageable wallet holders.
Your life is yours to plan an and either it's goes well or not it's up you.
Ownership, responsibility and discipline is required if one is to create a better life; unfortunately many people do not want to apply those things.
They are an asset of importance if one aspires to achieve greatness in life. But most people fear to pay the prices for them.
remember when superman turned himself into a regualar man and was eating snow? :)
I had an argument with my sis one time.. she said she doesn't bother to learn to fight (martial arts) bcuz GOD would just take care of her.. or that the outcome of a confrontation was just fate..
and then a lady did confront her about her flirting with the lady's hubby, and my sister DID get physical with the lady. WHY I thought, wasn't GOD supposed to step in and make everything hunky dorey?? :P
Yeah, some people have imaginary friends and place their lives in their hands thinking everything will be taken care of; it won't of course, but it's pointless trying argue the point with people who are so indoctrinated they'll believe anything that pertains to their beliefs and nothing that is not.
Coincidentally i and hubby were debating about this topic last night. Finding your destiny is similar to knowing your true purpose in life. But people often tend to confuse talent to destiny. I do believe in fate because i believe in spirituality and reincarnation, whatever a person is going through isnt the first or whoever a person meet its not the first event it has been reoccurring same as relationships. For me creating a happier life is just one word i abide to and that is "Contentment" once a person is content with whatever life brings he just have to learn from the lesson and be content with whatever he has be grateful. This principal has been helpful in my daily life.
Destiny won't bring contentment, actions will though. And, "whatever life brings," as you put it, seems quite like you're happy to float along rather than apply effort to achieve your desired outcomes. It's a choice I suppose and many choose it; we live in a lazy world.
Well yeah applying effort is a compulsory phenomenon, my point is not to just get beaten up if your effort isnt working out as planned rather take up the next plan
Seeking to continually improve is a good thing, well done.
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That post gives an inspiring message. It is not good to assume the post of a passenger in one's. Taking ownership and facing life assuredly can be very rewarding
Indeed.
Nice cover photo! 😎
Yeah.