mk’s Universe
Better than reality.Archive for choice
The only way it could’ve happened.
I used to look back on the past and feel good about the warm memories. But then I’d also feel a bit sad, wondering if the good times were over. I marveled at the thought of being able to turn back the clock to a certain time and place in order to recapture lost opportunities. But then, I’d want to travel further back in time to amend other nuances of the past. And then, further still. Was there any point in time where my potential was at its absolute height?
I think we look at the past through rose-colored glasses and surmise that the present could never compare, regardless of how untrue it may be.
But the way things happened was the only way it could’ve happened.
You have to accept all your past experiences and every decision you ever made as the singular path that made you into the person you are today. It gave you strength where there was once weakness, knowledge where there was once ignorance. You can’t escape your past, but you can embrace it. You are better for the mistakes you’ve made or the missteps you’ve taken.
You just have to ask yourself what’s important to you, what you want in life, and the path you will take to get it.
A friendly universe.
Today I turned on the television looking for something inspirational, and Joel Osteen’s program was on. (My friend, Rajiv Ramdeo, would label that as synchronicity.) I used to watch his show every week but regrettably have not for over a year. I really enjoy his sermons, and I recommend it to anyone of any religious faith since his sermons are less like traditional Bible-based sermons and more like life lessons that anyone can take away from.
Today’s program reminded me of something I’ve been thinking about recently. I have come to realize that life is such an ongoing battle of influences. We are constantly being influenced by others, particularly our peers. We may like to think of ourselves as self-reliant, but the truth is the actions and attitudes of our peers directly affect us on a day to day basis. We begin to share, we begin to open ourselves to their values and their beliefs. Once you understand that, then it becomes quite clear: Life is an uphill battle.
Gratitude and appreciation.
Hey, bloggers! I want to share a revelation I had yesterday. 
Remember to appreciate those that appreciate you.
Let me explain how I came to this. I think a lot of people can relate when I say I have a fear of not making the most out of life, of not being “carpe diem” enough, of not doing what I should be doing, of not living life at 100% capacity. Because time moves by so, so fast. When we were young, it felt like a year’s time would go on forever, and as we grow older (and hopefully wiser), time seems to disappear in the blink of an eye. It’s easy for me to feel that I’m constantly running out of time. I’m working on reframing my mindset so I can feel that I have plenty of time for anything, and thus become a more productive and fulfilled person.
I believe one of the ways we can maximize the quality of our lives is through gratitude. We should all be grateful for what we’ve got. Because one day, we might not have it anymore. So we have to be grateful now for what we have now. And a part of that is to appreciate those that appreciate you.
