Insights 3: Life is an adventure, or nothing

Thoughtful quotations:

“God grant me … 

The serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 

The courage to change the things I can, 

And the wisdom to know the difference.”    Serenity prayer Reinhold Niebuhr

“Life is a set of problems. Do we want to moan about them or solve them?” M Scott Peck

Context for reflection:

A Chinese philosopher put it: …. We all have 83 problems. When one is solved it is replaced by another, often of somewhat greater magnitude. 

Life is an adventure or nothing. “An adventure is a difficult endeavour in which the outcome is unknown, but the possibility of great reward exists” Wilson, L. There will be pleasurable moments. Look out for them, acknowledge and celebrate them, however small they may seem at the time. There will be unpleasant surprises. How can I best find a way around, over or through them? What can I learn from them? We cannot conquer the mountain with every step, but each step will have its own beauty or opportunity. If we don’t see it for what it is, we may miss something truly amazing. 

In tough times, there are many things outside our control. Investing negative energy on what others should, could have or were supposed to do, only makes us more bitter and cynical. 

A question for you:

• What are your problems? Or let’s rephrase: your opportunities?

• What can you change today ….. and then practice to do it tomorrow as well?

• What will give you the courage to challenge yourself for a better future?

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed challenging, with so much to remember and learn.

Andrew Pons

References: 

Wilson, L & H, Play to Win! Fourth Edition, Bard Press, 2001

Urban, H, Life’s Greatest Lessons, First Edition, Fireside, 2003

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