I recently read Thrive, which argues that we need a third metric for success in addition to money and power, one made up of wisdom, wellness and wonder. The whole book really resonated with me, but this quote in particular stood out from the other dozens of passages and phrases I highlighted.
I struggle with having faith in things working out or believing in things happening for a reason. I’ve never been religious, but lately I’ve been trying to cultivate a sense of spirituality and synchronicity and a belief in things I’ll never understand. I’ve been trying to pay more attention to coincidences and let myself fully experience awe and wonder. I’ve always kind of thought there was too much magic in this world to be accidental, but I’ve never gone further than that. But I’m realizing that when things are stressful, it’s helpful and calming to have faith and belief in ideas and forces bigger than you.
In The Art of Possibility, another great book I read earlier this year, they say “It’s all invented anyway, so we might as well invent a story or a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the life of those around us”. With that idea in mind, I’ve been choosing to try and believe in this beautiful quote from Imam Al Shafi’i. It gives me more peace and takes away some of the panic. It helps me be brave and pursue what lights me up while worrying less about what I might be missing out on (FOMO, be damned!). And when things get hard, it helps me to remember that things will work out in a way that will teach me new things and help me grow as a person. I’m realizing that happiness really comes down to your perspective and the way you interpret the things that happen to you, so I’m choosing a perspective that I find comforting and calming.
The photo was taken on Bijindo island at sunrise on a chilly June morning. I made the quote into a computer wallpaper download if you’d like a copy of your own.
