Fate and Destiny

fate(n):the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power; (v) to be destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way.

destiny(n):the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.

 NOTICE: These are my personal thoughts and experiences. This is not meant to attack anyone's religion in any way. 

Many people believe in Fate and Destiny. They believe that their life is all mapped out for them. Maybe a god-like person has predetermined their path in life. I do not believe in Fate or Destiny. To me, those concepts don't make sense. You have your own mind. If someone else is supposed to plan out your life for you, why do you have the ability to make your own decisions? Sometimes, I believe people grasp onto their belief in Fate, Destiny, or a higher power so they can feel like they can rely on. If something goes wrong "it's all part of a bigger plan." To me, that means that I just screwed up. Eventually, I'll forgive myself and move on. 

Something that I do believe in, on the other hand, is the Universe. I don't believe in God or anything like that. I, personally, don't believe that it is possible. I do believe that the Universe can give us signs or help us with understanding certain things. It sounds funny to think of it that way and that's why I can respect other peoples' religions and beliefs. I know that my beliefs sound crazy to so many people because I think some peoples' beliefs are crazy. Who knows who's right? It's the longest debate in history. 

I believe that the Universe can send us hints. I think that if something pops up over and over that we should pay attention to it. Maybe the Universe is trying to give us a message. Some people believe the same things about God. My 'God' is the Universe and the Earth. People may be confused as I say that the Universe can help us and they might think that that's the same thing as having a predetermined life. It's not. In my opinion, the Universe has not already decided where our lives are going, but it can help us if we have troubles. I also believe that the Universe and the Earth are living things. No, they don't have hearts or brains, but neither do plants.

One day, I was severely depressed and having anxiety attacks one after another. I looked outside and it was raining. I made the connection that my tears were very similar to the rain falling from the sky. Many poets and writers use this natural events to their advantage and use a weather motif to symbolize feelings and to foreshadow events to happen. But I had never applied to my own life. I took another look out the window and realized that the rain was coming down slower and, after a few minutes, the sun had come back out. I took that to mean that the Universe was telling me to cheer up. Ever since then, I've connected more and more of the events in my life to the Universe. I've noticed signs that I wouldn't have noticed before. 

Some knock that down to 'looking for it.' Maybe I subconsciously do that. But, there are more of my beliefs. I also want to briefly talk about change. People change, peoples' beliefs change. We all change. I for one have changed tremendously from a few years ago. That happens to most teenagers as they find out who they really are and begin thinking for themselves. I used to be a Christian. That was what my family believed, so that's what I believed. I've found my own little niche in that area and I love it. I think it's fine to convert and change. 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I understand what you're saying here & I'll just share a few related observations I had as I read this. I feel that many people use different words to describe similar things, when it comes to our belief systems. Even when we're using the same words, people can differ greatly in the details of how they envision things to be happening in life. I like that you offer examples to help us imagine how this plays out for you. On one hand, I feel you are being smart & sensitive when you make it clear you are not bashing anyone for their belief systems. I read something recently about homosexuality that was kinda offensive & it needed a similar explanation to help the reader know how to interpret what was being said. And finally, I feel you are being just a teensy bit defensive as you explain your belief systems. I would encourage you to feel more secure in that you've found what works for you & we are all doing just that in life! (((HUGS))) I always enjoy reading your honest expressions about diverse topics.

[matrixmark]

Well this was very deep. I too don' t believe in God - people who do then that's cool, we are all different and entitled to our own opinions. I like the way in which you may/may not feel a connection with the weather and how it may be tellng something about your feelings at the time. Some people find it hard to connect with anythiing at all. There are many things which we cant put our finger on to explain fully or understand to a reasonable degree. But i for one totally get what you are saying with this piece and understand why you put it up here.

Liked this piece....a lot. A real thought provoker.

Mark.