Destiny & Fate

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Apr 18, 1997

I've considered my stand on the issue of destiny in regards to last week's editorial on the soulmate phenomenon. For all romantics, finding true love is the ultimate goal in reaching our personal destinies. Therefore, in opening up my musings and presenting some further resources for exploring the issue, I hope to spark some feedback amongst readers.

While searching for links and research relating to destiny and/or fate, I discovered few concrete resources on the web. The majority of articles found were newsgroup discussions. One included a post I found interesting. As a response/definition for the terms, here is what was offered: "Fate happens if you passively live life without a true, conscious focus on creating your destiny." Of course, my next step in finding something "definite" was turning to the closest form of an expert definition. I searched my Webster's Dictionary. Here is what I found: Fate=power supposed to predetermine events---Destiny=person's appointed lot or condition; power which foreordains; course of events or person's fate,...regarded as fixed by this power. Consequently, destination is defined as a "place to which a person or thing is bound; intended end of a journey."

On to my thoughts...First, I believe everyone has a true path of destiny. By honestly following the strongest guiding pull (of the heart) unquestioningly, it eventually can lead to that pre-determined life. Along the way, the ups and downs are also pre-set, but each holds a unique purpose of strengthening the character and ultimately preparing for full acceptance and fulfillment within that destiny. Thus, we only know if a bad phase in our life is part of a purposeful step in our destiny or if is a "wrong turn" after it has passed. Although there is little hope for deciphering any event while still part of the present, hindsight can show if there is true meaning to those moments.

I also believe there are an infinite number of alternates, each which could act as an unchartered path in blazing our futures. I view such as second, customizable destinies. We always have choices and opportunities to go another way, (other than that which is "intended") when we allow our minds to dominate our actions. This is not to say an undetermined path could not be just as rewarding as our true, intended, destiny (found only through the heart). It is highly possible for it to actually turn out even better, yet only the perils of time will show those answers. The question is whether we wish to play on that risk or not. Likewise, since we all use reasoning (following the head) from time-to-time, that does not necessarily mean we'll never experience our destiny. True intuitions will bring us there one way, but missteps can lead there as well. Even if you miss a shortcut, you will eventually end up back on the road, just a little delayed. This would explain why many realize destiny later in life, if ever. Basically, I see the path of destiny as an intertwined circle--similar to the eternity symbol--a form which has no true beginning, no true end, and goes on forever.

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