The Unpredictable Adventure of Life
As I stand at the threshold of the final quarter of 2023, I find myself contemplating the intricate dance between predictabilities and unpredictabilities that define our existence. Life, in all its glory, often resembles a rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns. With gratitude in my heart, I look back on the three-quarters of this year, marked by remarkable growth and a deeper understanding of navigating life’s enigmatic journey.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Lao Tzu
Navigating Life’s Twists with ITP
For over a decade, I’ve walked the unpredictable path of life with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disorder that defies the predictabilities we often seek. Its untimely flare-ups and erratic nature have occasionally left me feeling like a ship without a compass, both in my personal and professional journey.
Days have dawned when exhaustion lingers, even after a full seven hours of sleep. Unexplained bruises surface, prompting a shift from teaching to writing, as my health’s capriciousness takes the reins. A simple walk or minor stumble could lead to sprained or fractured bones. These surprises, once daunting, have become catalysts, propelling me to expand my boundaries and venture boldly into the unknown.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Alan Watts
Nevertheless, with deliberate lifestyle changes, mindfulness through practices like meditation, profound introspection, and an abundance of acceptance, I’ve charted a course of remarkable progress. In 2023, I savoured the essence of life like never before.
Embracing the Surprises
The year 2023 has been nothing short of astonishing, offering a tapestry woven with surprises and personal evolution. It’s a year that has consistently challenged my convictions and broadened the horizons of my understanding.
A Year of Diverse Experiences
2023 has unfolded as an epic of adventure and personal growth. A voyage to the Andaman Islands allowed me to partake in exhilarating pursuits such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and paragliding, free from the shackles of past apprehensions. The intricacies of book formatting became my canvas, enabling me to contribute to two published books, a dream realized. On the flip side, it was a year that required extensive dental work, involving the replacement of ten teeth and dealt me the unexpected blow of haemorrhoids, despite my meticulous dietary choices. Regrettably, a solo journey to the Blogchatter Retreat remained an unfulfilled dream. On a brighter note, 2023 unveiled the joy of learning to swim. These diverse experiences collectively revitalized my spirit, filling me with gratitude.
The Wish to Pause and Reflect
As the final quarter of 2023 beckons, my wish is simple: to pause and reflect. I’ve come to understand that, even when I think I’ve grasped my body and its limitations, it can still spring surprises upon me. The aspiration is to be better prepared for sustained growth. This entails uncovering predictabilities within life’s unpredictabilities and creating space for cherished people and activities. It necessitates a meticulous inventory of what truly matters, what consistently brings joy, and what warrants release or decluttering.
My journey has taught me that my energy is a treasure; to harness it fully, I must delineate clear boundaries, bid farewell to things that no longer serve me (always with gratitude), and stride forward with heightened efficiency.
“Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.”
Unknown
Creating Space for Growth
The final quarter of 2023 promises to be a period of introspection, expansion, and the pursuit of predictabilities amidst life’s turbulence. It will be an opportunity to bring ongoing projects to fruition, and declutter and organize the various facets of my life—be it physical, mental, or digital. My intention is to create room for continuous personal and professional growth by focusing on what truly matters.
As I move forward with determination and newfound clarity, I eagerly anticipate the embrace of predictabilities that dwell within life’s captivating unpredictabilities. This final chapter of 2023 shall be a symphony of discovery, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and an ode to the beauty of life’s unpredictability.
“In the space between chaos and shape, there was another chance.”
Jeanette Winterson
This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop .
Edited to say: Thanks for reading and engaging with the post! I’m thrilled that it resonated with so many of you. 🙂
Exciting news: This blog post has been awarded the winner of the week’s #BlogchatterBlogHop by Blogchatter! Thanks for the love🏆😊
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