DESTINY

Some people believe in fate. They think that certain things are meant to be. When something bad happens to them, they feel helpless. They may say, with a fatalistic shrug, “That’s the story of my life.”

Tao cultivators do not believe everything is predetermined. They see themselves as masters of their own destinies. To them, moving through the paths of life is like driving on the road. Once you get on a street or highway, you have to keep going. If you realize you are going in the wrong direction, you cannot turn around immediately. This is what makes people feel they are “locked in” to a particular path, and there is nothing they can do about it.

In reality, there is always something you can do about it. You can look further ahead to see the intersections where choices can be made. You can also stop for a while to consult your directions and maps to better understand which way to go. By the time you get to the intersection, you are ready to make the best possible choice.

The Tao Today

Some of the choices we make are major and have a great impact on our lives, while others are minor and have no lasting effect. All of these choices, great and small, add up to determine the shape of things to come. Make your decisions with the teachings as your guide, and get yourself moving in the right direction.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin