Monday, February 08, 2010

Contemplating Life

Mr. Man and I have been doing some contemplating about life: the past, the present and the future. For so long it seemed that our goals were already made for us. Little ones were made along the way, but on the whole we were making babies, raising children, and going to school with the aim of someday getting a house and job. Check check and check. So now what?

Success, as we've discovered, can be bitter sweet. A sweet finale of events, but also a close on a well-known accepted chapter of life.

How much do you dwell on the past? How can you be truly present in the present and still plan and prepare for the future? How lofty should your goals be so that you don't set yourself up for failure but also allow for growth? How can we use our lives to make a difference in the world?

A brief summary of many thoughts.

5 comments:

Camie said...

I'm with you on this one--after we finished graduate school and started our job, MAtt and I definitely felt like, 'now what??' Because everything we had been working towards during our whole marriage we had 'checked off'. LEt me know if you come to any inspiring conclusions!

Lily said...

Those are such good questions and I struggle with them. I am inundated in reminders of Buddhism and everyday I tell myself to be in the present. I no longer have many expectations because so many things have fallen through- this is not a bitter thing, just a fact and I just have more faith that what will happen will happen as long as I try to live as well as I can. 18 months ago I imagined I would be starting to look at myself more and working on contemplating the next step but (and I am so grateful for him) Sora surprised us. All of a sudden I watch many in my age group moving on, entering the next chapter. Our goals of having a stable home of our own have been put on hold until the company transfers us again. We live in uncertainty- we assume that the next move will be back to Tokyo but it could also be China or Papau New Guinea and now they are throwing in the idea of Cambodia. We just never know. I know life is uncertain but somedays I wish I could plan my future. For now I just pray that we save enough and prepare the boys enough and whatever the company decides to do with us next we will be ready.
Thanks for the questions- I didn't intend to contemplate on the past and future. I think I will just cut and paste my comment onto my own blog so I can think about it more.

Net said...

Actually I have been thinking a lot about this too. I have been looking forward to being done with school and having a home of my own for so long that I am afraid when it all finally comes about, I will be like you and wonder, what now. I have to keep reminding myself to be happy with where I am right now and the future will come soon enough. I don't have any advice for you. But I am going to watch how you do it and learn!

Amy said...

I haven't been contemplating these thoughts like every one else? Does that mean there is something wrong with me? I do live in the now and I do prepare for the future, but my plans aren't grand and glorius. I am pretty sure that is okay. I am happy and content and life keeps me too busy I guess to wonder what is next.

Arseneault Family said...

stop making check lists FOR SURE!! Life happens and is far from over for you two!! Keep following the sweet whisperings and you'll continue to be beyond fulfilled. There. My unsolicited advice for the day!! lol! ;) Luv you guys!! xo

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