Say you are a movie director shooting a film of your own life. How do you see the story unfolding? Is it a biopic, perhaps starting when your parents got together, and ending with a touching funeral? Do you star in every scene?
Most of us see our lives that way. It’s all about us: “I did this; that happened to me, then this person came along, then I did that. I made these mistakes, and I did these other good things. I grew in such and such ways. All in all, I guess it’s been pretty OK.”
I think I needed to read this at this moment. Beautifully written, David.
Wonderful. Shared om Facebook.
This needs to be read several (or more!) times. The questions we ask ourselves have to be done many times in our lives. Things change, and so do we. In our lives we come to many crossroads and have to decide which way to go. We need to be courageous and keep on trying to understand our purpose in our life. For me the important thing to consider is what brings me joy. Sometimes I think there are all kinds of things I should do—and I do, but this is often a mistake. If my heart is not in it, and there is no joy, that is a mistake. I think I am still trying to get over being raised a Catholic—all kinds of things you are supposed to do — lots of duties and responsibilities to others. Error. We need to heed our feelings and allow joy to light our way forward.
Your last post resonated (when do they not?). I think a lot about one’s impact on others – how I almost serendipitously found myself in a helping profession – where it long since stopped being about me and started being about others. I was recently discussing a very similar question with a researcher I know. He was concerned that having a conventional and not-famous scientist’s path limited his impact…and of course no such thing. We all make decisions, we all react to circumstances and decisions made by others, in ways that ripple far beyond their origin.
David, what a wonderful frame to come from! I love the possibilities of looking at life as a biography and memoir, and being aware of the value and difficulties of each. Your description of June was so full and rich coming from both. I saw your love and understanding of her, as well as her life, in a new way. It also takes me to thinking about the ‘I do this for the sake of” question for me. I don’t spend enough time there, which can cause isolation and depression, as you point out. When I am conscious of my cogness in the bigger wheel, I am much more connected to self and those around me.
Beautiful writing. Thank you.
“What am I doing with my life?” is a question I ask myself almost daily. For the last 6 months or so, I have resisted even attempting an answer, opening instead to the discomfort of the unknown, the belief that no answer is necessary, or even relevant. Thank you for your fine reflections.
Thank you David, your honesty is a rare sweet gift. Your bravery in baring your essence is inspiring. It is an act of love.
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