Letting Life Happen

When your days are consumed by abnormal events, things that stretch routines to unimaginable shapes and functions, the ordinary becomes nearly invisible. Attention is spent on the unusual, even the emergent before we understand what it means. Long term thoughts are pulled from the new happenings. The impact is felt before it is understood. The niggle of consequence soon becomes the concern.

What will anything mean when time is added to the happening? What new norm may be forming as we experience the odd event or two? Will this be a long-term feature of life for me, for us?

It is the absence of norm that makes us take notice. Then the mind takes over and soon it is conjuring the effects that may be felt. It causes worry. It creates its own focus. And the old routine features of life are overshadowed. Mealtimes seem to morph into new patterns. Substance of meals shifts to simpler and quicker fare. Dressing is more direct and functional rather than stylish or expressive. The car goes unwashed; gassed when needed, even repairs are put off. They seem less important.

The happenings of life are no longer as expected. We face this change with curiosity at first, then acceptance as we lack control over their being. In short order we let life happen because it is easier to do. Fighting for control is futile as what is happening functions on its own plane.

What will be will be. It is what it is. All along we only felt in control but not really the master of all happenings. Life happens to me, to us. That is the grand scheme of things.

It is helpful to know this and let life happen. It will anyway. Acceptance of that reality eases our days. Not giving up, just being realistic. What will be will be. No two bones about it.

February 22, 2023

 

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