All human actions have one or more of these seven causes:chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire.- Aristotle
We make choices and we take action. Then we face the consequences and learn to thrive within the new context. There are times when those choices are difficult and unclear, requiring careful discernment. Yet, at other times they can be as clear as day - laid out before us and nearly labeled as the right choice. I find myself more fascinated by the ambiguous middle ground between these two extremes. Here the path is not always clear, but it is not necessarily arduous either. Instead, we will occasionally find ourselves simply drawn towards a particular decision. It does not feel difficult and the obstacles along the way are minor at best. Neither is it clearly understood as the best choice that will lead us to the most beneficial outcome. In my experience, these are the paths that we simply find ourselves wandering down without the clear reasons. Before we are fully aware, the point of no return has been reached. But there is no panic. Still just the odd sort of knowing. An assurance that can't often be explained - this is the path meant for me at this time.
I have wandered down just such a path. Packed up and left all that I knew to seek out an unknown opportunity. Odder still, leaving my beloved and familiar home state. Moving towards the hope of something better, but with no guarantees. Now I find myself intimidated by unfamiliar surroundings and a community that is foreign to me. Well, I suppose that I am the foreigner to this community. I have wandered down this path and followed the choices that mysteriously felt correct for me. I have changed my setting and context - now to define my role and live.
I am not sure which of the seven causes directly influenced my actions. Much of this has felt like pure chance - falling into place all on its own. I suppose that is the mystery of this path. Of course, along the way I have found reasons. Perhaps I have even made the reasoning fit what I could not fully explain. I do know that I have been fueled by desire - a desire to better myself and find opportunity. For too long I lived in mundane contentment. I was neither particularly miserable nor happy. I just survived and filled my life with little entertainments. It is not easy to break free from that sort of effortless contentment. It takes bold actions and a stern resolve to push oneself out of such a way of life. Courage must be mustered to seek out the different and sort through the unknown for the potential grandeur. Truly, my desire for more and my desire to discover and ignite my own passion for life is what kept pulling me down this path.
So, I have uprooted my life and changed the setting and scene. Now I must do the work and commit to this journey. Finding a new job, discovering new passions, making new connections, and constantly seeking out purpose - these are the hurdles ahead of me. Every morning takes confidence and discipline to keep my focus.
It also takes tea. Many mugs of warm tea in the morning light. What does the quote on the tea tag read this time?
You are unlimited.Yes. Yes I am~
