It goes without saying that the journey of a lifetime begins with a single step, and it's absolutely impossible for anyone to predict with a 100% accuracy, where the next step a man takes will lead him.
12 am on the 29th of December, I lay on my bed, racking my brain, willing inspiration to come forth from somewhere, so that I could send someone I love so dearly an anniversary message. I ended up dozing off around 2am, and woke up at 11am, utterly daunted when I realized that no great inspiring words had magically flowed through my fingers onto the text page. I was muling over this and my mind drifted into memories, (some really precious ones). The kind of memories that transport you to another place and time and have you relieving experiences that bring a smile to your face. In my own case, the only phrase that could appropriately describe those memories is 'pure joy!'.
Those were rare moments where I saw my friend, not only totally relaxed, but also make it an absolute responsibility to make sure everyone was comfortable, emotionally. And I distinctly remember wondering on one of such occasions, how anyone could forget their demons and just actually enjoy the moment that much. It always made me envious. Looking back, I realized that in some ways, my friend unconsciously exercised some of the most important keys to life and fulfillment in life.
Hmn ............. In the pursuit of happiness. Today not only marks the beginning of a new year, but also the dawn of a new decade, and many (I am certain) are making vows, resolutions, promises, ........... name it. ( I stopped that a long time ago. I ALWAYS failed. So I learnt to rely on God and take one day at a time). Do we ever stop to ask ourselves, the true significance of those goals we try to set every new year? I'll stake a wager, if we actually did stop, take a deep breath and think about it, the reason is to find fulfillment, happiness. Setting those goals are a thing I actually admire, and achieving them? 'Nuff respect! But the truth is, the majority usually make one mistake.
We pursue happiness, contentment, fulfillment and the lot of those ( sometimes seemingly elusive) things like they are a destination. But, me thinks! they actually ARE the journey. They are an ever continuing journey for all sons of Adam, and they lead to only one destination: 'MEANING'.
I think it is only possible for a man to make concise meaning of his life, when his life comes to an end, because, then, he's used up the time and opportunities that came his way, he's got nothing really to look forward to any longer, just reflections of what his life was. So he sort of sees the big picture, like a bird's eye view which makes it possible for him (after all the long seemingly meaningless years, filled with confusion) to make sense of the huge puzzle that was his life. Piecing together all the parts, and finally knowing if all the gamble and risk paid off. After which comes 'MEANING'. You know, the " What was the purpose of my life?" and such questions. The happiness? Fulfillment? Etc? They are all attendants to 'MEANING'. We only understand what they really are at the end.
......... in the pursuit of happiness ...... you know, for most of us, the basics of what we desire that life relinquish to us actually never change till the day we die. But the journey (on the other hand) is something we can never predict. So one asks: "How do you prepare?" My answer is very simple:
First and foremost, strive to make certain that at all times, our hearts are in tune with our maker (GOD), putting Him first before anything else in our lives.
Then, arm ourselves with the people and the memories we made and are still making with them. That thing someone did that brought a smile to your lips, that thing someone said, that was so beautiful, you cried, the moment you realized you genuinely loved someone, the silly things you did with your friends .......... All those moments make the difference. After all, we really are empty without memories. I take with me all the time, those I love the most, thanking God as I relieve those moments, and praying to Him to bless me with more.
One more thing we need to add to our arsenal for this new year is the knowledge that in some way, we touched someone's life positively, for therein lies the true meaning of a man's existence. If the thought of your laughter makes someone laugh, then you have fulfilled your ultimate destiny! For in that moment, you made that person happy. In our journey through life, it's only the lives we touch and the testimony those lives have about us that define the true worth of our time here.
So ....... in the pursuit of happines, another journey begins, titled: '2011'.
Hasta la vista '2010'! Buen viaje en '2011'
Happy New Year!
