Fate/Free Will? Part 3

I recall it vividly. The proverbial sh–t had hit the fan, smashing my hopes and dreams into cow patties.

A moment earlier, I had bragged to my best friend I was getting a new car. A 1969 Mustang Boss 302! That is, I was until the dealer called to say I was denied credit. Something about too many late payments. I uttered some foul words and cursed fate.

Fate had reared its ugly head again, and again my hopes and dreams crashed and burned.

Whether it’s something extremely fortunate and we’re celebrating or it’s a disaster and we want to quickly shut the door on any thoughts of our being responsible, saying it’s “Fate” seems to give it a creditability beyond our power to be responsible for it. Thus, we are relieved of the responsibility to change.

While escaping responsibility for something may seem attractive, it comes at a high hidden cost.

You see, the flip side of escaping responsibility is denying ourselves both the opportunity to change our fate AND the chance that by taking ownership, we can break the cycle. We can repeat the process and build our own success cycles!

The notable story of William James and how he went from abject failure to remarkable success as told here. By changing his perspective, he chose to accept he was responsible for the success – or not – in his life.

Seeing things as “Fate” doesn’t set the stage for repeat performance!

Indeed, it’s by owning my life; My taking responsibility for all that happens; Imaging ‘what’s the outcome I want’; Asking God to guide me; Show me the way; Letting go of the outcome; and Asking ‘what’s the best thing for me to do now?’

Do it.

That’s My Ask Process as I explained here.

As explained here and here, these examples demonstrate the extent of my spin on the timeless proverb “Good Thing, Bad Thing, Who Knows,” which provides an entertaining yet insightful deeper dive at how you and I may turn this to our advantage and make it work for us. See what you think. Read the two links.

Did you get my point?

When we experience our life as “Fate,” we accept whatever happens as not within our control or responsibility. “It’s not my fault! I can’t change it.” It’s as if we’re renting our life – as I explained here.

For most of us, life is hard. Harder than we’re taught to expect. The difficulty is compounded by diversions and mistaken certainties.

I firmly believe I, you, everyone – each of us – is doing what we can to make the best of our life. I share an experience here that drives this point home.

I share a humbling experience here. As the video illustrates, often at or near the end of our time here is when we realize what we thought to be our goal was merely a diversion. A cheap imitation of the real thing!

Life, the real thing, waits for us to open our eyes, broaden our perspective and become aware of the power within us.

I encourage you to listen, focus on Carmen’s story, the lyrics – the message – in Choose.

Carmen Moshier ~ Choose

Then, do like I do, sing along with it – make it your Go-To Empowerment Recharger!

Until next time,
Joe