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The Moment That Changed Everything: an Unpredictable Nature of Life

Table of contents, the unpredictability of life, the power of revelation, the domino effect of change, the lessons we carry forward, the journey forward.

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Life Is Unpredictable – Learn To Accept It

Keep this spark alive within yourself and strengthen it each moment so that you can sail through the rough situations smoothly.

Your vision towards life

The magnitude of your vision will decide whether your life is beautiful or not. The choice is always in your hand. An aunt of mine always replies “Going Strong” whenever you ask her how she is. Even in an extremely unfavorable circumstance she would always reply with a smiling face, saying, “I am going strong.”

Her aura of courage and happiness is so magnetic that people around her constantly gets a dose of strength from her.

Life is Unpredictable – Accept life as it comes

Recently I was watching a reality show when a girl with one leg appeared on stage. When asked what will she do, she announced, “I will dance.” Judges were surprised how anybody could dance with just one leg and without any support. When she started dancing everyone was amazed.

The audience shouted. The judges stood up and clapped for her courage, her strength and her zeal. This was a positive vision towards life that encouraged her to accept life’s challenges. Neither the girl on the reality show, nor the famous classical dancer Sudha Chandran could have imagined in their wildest dreams that such an unpredictable moment will come their way, yet it wasn’t until after Chandran lost her leg that she became a dancer and was catapulted to world-wide fame for the one thing no one believed she could do: dance.

They both met with an accident, they both lost one of their legs, and yet still they both believed that they could dance, and dance they did. I salute their will power and burning spirit to fight for their dreams that led them to stand against the sometimes harsh winds of the world.

They both accepted life’s challenge and have set an example that nothing can defeat you, unless you, yourself accept the defeat. Such people compel us to look deep inside ourselves and contemplate the driving forces that would have led them to turn their disabilities into such great strengths. Remember: had life been what they had expected it to be, neither would have lost a leg and then turned it into fame and fortune. Life is unpredictable… but that’s a  good thing.

Elements of Strength

Life consists of different challenges be they mental, emotional or physical. No one said life would be easy but we can definitely make it better. The elements of strength which empowers us to lead a magnificent life:

• Hold on to your willpower
• Be confident of your abilities
• Don’t accept or allow self-pity
• Pain is a big motivator if you accept it
• Respect yourself
• Wipe out the words ‘why me’ from your mind
• Remember “I might not win immediately, but definitely.”
• Don’t allow problems to paralyze you, rather, discover who you are
• There is always a ray of hope after darkness which shows you the right path

Accepting the problem changes the nature of problem. The problem no longer stays an obstacle but becomes a milestone. Keep in mind if you desire to blossom like a rose in the garden, then you must learn the art of adjusting with the thorns. Life is unpredictable.

Be grateful for every moment. Difficulties will make us shine. So accept that life is a challenge and let the fact that life is unpredictable become a source of strength to live a king-sized life.

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About the Author

Vandana sehgal.

Vandana is a Personality Enhancement Trainer associated with various Corporate and Management Colleges.

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Living with uncertainty: How to accept and be more comfortable with unpredictability

As challenging and unpredictable as this year has been, here are steps you can take to mitigate the impact that uncertainty has in your life.

2020 has been marked by uncertainty and constant upheaval. Most of us have been eager to return to normal, when we saw life as more predictable. BeWell spoke with Donnovan Somera Yisrael, senior health educator, Well-Being at Stanford (Vaden Health Center), on how to accept and live more comfortably with the uncertainty in our lives.

We are motivated to pursue certainty

Our ancestors were motivated to find stable sources of food, water and shelter to survive and protect their families. This deep need for certainty is true today as we work to address our basic needs and provide for ourselves and loved ones in a highly unpredictable world.

We extend this desire to other areas of our lives that we wish were more certain or unyielding to time, such as being sure that our children will grow up to be successful adults, not wanting our bodies to age, or wishing we didn’t have to perform routine maintenance tasks on our homes or cars.

Yisrael emphasizes that the desire for certainty in an unpredictable world is ingrained in us, and we should be compassionate with ourselves as we work to tolerate uncertainty.

Uncertainty is inherent in life

The reality of our everyday existence is that things change every day, even when we wish that they would stay the same, and nothing is certain. Random events can and do happen when we’re unprepared to deal with the fallout.

We tend to think of uncertainty, and the stress it causes, as the enemy. We may believe that once we get to the next stage in our lives, such as a new job or a new home, that the uncertainty we’re experiencing will disappear. However, as soon as we get to that new stage, we will encounter different uncertainties relevant to that stage.

If we’re constantly worrying about the next thing that may happen, then we’ll be living under a never-ending existential threat and causing ourselves undue stress that could affect our health, work and relationships. So how can we tolerate the basic idea of uncertainty without making it the enemy and learn to live with its existence?

Reframe uncertainty as normal

Often, we feel alone and isolated when coping with an adverse event, like we’re more impacted than others or are the only ones going through a difficult time. When Yisrael coaches Stanford students, he validates that the stressful event they are facing, like a break-up or job-hunting, is a normal experience that most people navigate, as their stress often comes from feeling that they’ve made a mistake, failed or have done something wrong.

“The challenge is to begin to accept that uncertainty and change are a normal part of life and understand how to reframe our thinking so we can live without constantly dreading the inevitable.”

Yisrael points to the work of Daniel Siegel who coined the term  temporal integration  to represent how we can accept both our desire for certainty and our knowledge that uncertainty is the state of things while letting these thoughts coexist alongside each other equally. Yisrael discusses the process of integrating this paradox as letting two separate entities with different viewpoints have a conversation, which leads to healthier thoughts around the concept of uncertainty.

Yisrael reminds us that uncertainty and stress have no valence, even though we tend to think of them as negative. He observes that we enjoy attending social events and watching sports and TV shows because we don’t know what’s going to happen. We may be nervous at potential negative outcomes, but we’re also excited about the possibility of positive outcomes.

Find where you can exert a sense of control

Like uncertainty, lack of control is the nature of things. For example, a small mistake by another driver can put us in a position with no agency. We aren’t in as much control as we think, even within our own bodies. Fully realizing the nature of our lack of control can be destabilizing and stressful because it poses the opportunity for unwanted events.

A sense of helplessness can be the hardest part of experiencing an adverse event. For example, someone with a serious medical condition who feels they have some control will feel better than someone with a less serious condition who feels they lack control.

“A sense of control and agency is necessary to be in a healthy state of mind. By recognizing what is within our control and accepting what we can’t control, we can better live our lives to the best of our abilities.”

Yisrael points out that what may be in our control may only be something small, such as undertaking a home improvement project, or managing our attitude or emotions towards an event. Regardless, finding even a small sense of control will help your well-being during uncertain times.

Exercise your sense of influence

Yisrael explains that there’s always some cause or someone you could be helping, either through service or donating. By helping others and working towards correcting social problems, you can feel you have a sense of influence on the world and that your actions matter.

“It has been said that the knowledge that we matter is the most important piece of information we can have.”

He suggests finding a need and trying to the best of your ability to meet that need. It could even be something outside of the box, like fixing a bike and giving it to neighborhood kids. To exercise his own sense of influence, he picks up cigarette butts, and he mentions how his wife and daughter recently wrote postcards for the election.

“What can you do or give to make someone’s life better? What do you have that others need and you can give? This is the fuel that will keep you going.”

Mindfulness and emotional intelligence keep you stable

Mindfulness and emotional intelligence work together so that a single thought or event are less likely to destabilize you.

Mindfulness allows us to check in with our thoughts and feelings and then to respond with something that is helpful. For example, if you feel bad about making a mistake, mindfulness can help you recognize that you’re experiencing a failure right now rather than internalizing feelings of being a failure. The distance will help you re-center and gain a better perspective, hopefully with the realization that everyone makes mistakes and your self-worth does not hinge on you being perfect.

“Don’t believe everything you think or feel. Feelings present information and should be acknowledged, but the key is how we interpret the feeling to figure out the best move going forward.”

Mindfulness practices can be simple and consist of checking in with what you are thinking, feeling or experiencing in the present moment. Other practices can help you visualize and grow different traits, such as self-compassion, courage, motivation or resilience, to help you overcome obstacles.

Look to our common humanity to find strength and courage

Regarding adverse social events, Yisrael advises looking at narratives from similar historical or global events, such as the 1918 flu epidemic. He reminds us that pandemics, civil unrest and mismanaged power have been common and regular throughout history and that by tapping into the narratives of people who dealt with similar challenges, either from the past or current day, we can find strength and courage in their experiences. Ask yourself what virtues and characteristics they modeled to weather their circumstances. These can include humility, perseverance, flexibility, resourcefulness, commitment and compassion.

“By acknowledging the adversity faced by others throughout history and the world today, we can gain a sense that we’re all in this together and can draw strength from a sense of common humanity.”

Keep your stride

We value the resilience and improvisational ability of athletes who are capable of taking unexpected events in stride and not letting the events affect their performance, and we value the resourcefulness of first responders who go into the field not knowing what they will find. Being able to respond well to unpredictable events in our lives requires similar skills.

To keep your stride, Yisrael discusses the importance of resilience practices grounded in a sense that our stability isn’t completely contingent on externals. Resilience resources include any practices that increase a sense of inner flexibility, endurance and strength, which are essential in successfully navigating challenging times. He adds that some of our best resilience resources include our sense of hope, self-efficacy and gratitude.

Yisrael also recommends taking an improv class to move from tolerating to embracing uncertainty. He cites the Stanford improv class he took as a student as foundational in helping him handle the unexpected and become a better presenter and communicator.

Finally, proper sleep, nutrition and exercise are essential in helping you keep your stride, as well as focusing on self-care that prepares you to face your current life challenges.

Practice self-compassion and seek help when needed

In the midst of elections and a pandemic, it’s important to extend compassion and understanding to ourselves if we are experiencing fear and nervousness. We should also practice self-compassion if we feel we are in survival mode and not excelling in our personal or professional lives. It’s important to not judge ourselves for our feelings, and instead acknowledge these feelings and seek healthy ways to soothe ourselves.

If you’re finding the uncertainty in your life unmanageable, then please reach out to the  Faculty Staff Help Center  or a mental health care provider. Yisrael notes that it is important to find strategies to handle stress and take care of yourself so you can stay mentally and emotionally healthy.

Living With Uncertainty

Coping is a challenge when the predictable turns unpredictable..

Posted November 10, 2020 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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Life is full of uncertainties, sometimes (like right now) more than others. Normal life as we knew it before the pandemic, such as going to restaurants without thinking of the health risks, meeting our friends, working out at the gym, or having holidays with our extended families, is no longer a given. For most of you, your new daily normal is quite different than our daily normal of 2019.

Life has always had uncertainties. Many of those uncertainties you didn't have to think about and so they didn't affect you so much. You probably felt relatively safe in your day-to-day activities without giving it too much thought. Much of the uncertainty could be ignored. That's no longer true for so many people.

Most of you really dislike uncertainty. Even when it's uncertainty about a job interview or a grade on a paper or whether someone will call you again—it's uncomfortable. When the uncertainty is about a health threat and quality of life, that can be like living under constant, chronic threat. That is exhausting and discouraging.

You may seek out ways to end the uncertainty, perhaps through obsessively seeking information by checking the internet for updates or seeking out people who say they have answers. You may be vulnerable to listening to people who claim to have answers when they don't. Or you may try to shut uncertainty down. You ignore the news and perhaps pretend that the uncertainty doesn't exist. Maybe you decide there is not a threat and go about your life minimizing and denying. Another alternative is that you withdraw and isolate.

None of these options, in the extreme, is helpful. Attempting to control something you can't control increases anxiety and is exhausting. For right now, when the pandemic will be over is uncertain and that’s out of your control. Fighting against that will increase your anxiety and stress and likely bring misery. Acceptance that right now you don’t know when the restrictions on your daily life will be over may not be what you want to do, but accepting reality is more productive than fighting against the facts.

Coping with uncertainty, especially over a longer period of time, is a real challenge. Here are some suggestions.

• Being mindful can help. Just recognizing that uncertainty is difficult and you will have urges to act to end the uncertainty, but you cannot. Keep bringing your mind back to the present moment and what you can do right now, what is in your control. This moment is a given, it is not uncertain.
• Consider what is in your control and what is not in your control. Radically accept what is not in your control. Take action on what you can control, in an effective way that fits your values and goals .
• Be kind and compassionate to yourself while you go through the stress. Lower your expectations or yourself. When there is more stress in your life, it will take more energy to just cope with the stress. You may not be able to do all the tasks you could do before.
• Find some time to play. Being able to laugh for a few moments can lower your stress.
• Establish and keep a routine. Eat healthy foods and get enough sleep. Find a way to exercise. You know the mind and the body are connected, so keeping both healthy will improve your ability to cope overall.
• Self-soothe. Identify what is soothing to you, perhaps listening to music, the smell of scented candles, touching soft blankets, or holding a pet. Add activities to your life that lower your anxiety, even if just for a short time. Purposefully give yourself time for comfort.
• Find meaning. Are there lessons you can learn from this experience? Having a sense of purpose can be grounding. Are there opportunities that exist that didn’t before? Are there ways to join in with a community and find purpose in making a difference for others?
• Don't wait to live your life. While it's likely you can't live the way you would prefer right now, find the best possible life given the circumstances. What is your best life for right now?

Karyn Hall, Ph.D. , is the author of The Emotionally Sensitive Person, Mindfulness Exercises, and co-author of The Power of Validation.

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Why is Life So Unpredictable and how to Cope

We have all been at a point in life where everything seems uncertain or at the brink of falling apart. There are times when you feel self-doubt creeping upon you, having you question your abilities, capabilities, and even your worth.

While all of this is normal, there’s no way one should let it get the best of you. Dealing with challenges and overcoming hurdles may be tough but letting those setbacks dig a dark abyss for you is unacceptable. So, here how you can cope up with the unpredictability of life.

Why is life so unpredictable?

Everyone often thinks about the big question mark that we call life which leads us to ask the question why life is so unpredictable, to which the answer remains a quest lasting forever. It’s not like we are oblivious to the entire concept of unpredictability; it’s just that we struggle to embrace it. We never know what the next minute is going to bring us.

We plan a specific task or event with all our devotion and compassion, but are we ever fully convinced about it happening exactly as we have drafted in our minds? Probably not. But that doesn’t stop us from going anywhere.

The reason why life remains to be unpredictable is that the purpose of life is to adapt, grow, and improve. Every uncertainty tests our fortitude, vision, and reliance. Something going precisely according to the plan gives satisfaction and rejoices you, but it is the bad experiences that help you learn, climb up, and grow to be better.

You might feel torn apart at first, but it’s only when you get up that you realize the inner strength you have to overcome this. Unpredictability might seem intimidating or even devastating, but it’s exactly what shapes us. Without these hurdles, blocks, and rocks, our life would be pretty dull. It is what helps us attain a purpose to live and enriches us with the confidence and self-esteem we need to grow and live a more fulfilling life.

How to cope up with the unpredictability?

There are a handful of things that one can try to deal with unpredictability . The moment you feel like giving in to the hardships, psyche yourself to muster up the willpower and rise again. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself from dwelling upon those feelings.

Struggles are temporary

Bad times always tend to last longer than good ones, which is basically because we keep reminding ourselves of the misery every second of that time. But that never helps; if anything, it makes it tougher for you. Instead of calling the worst parts or overthinking about it, remind yourself that it’s temporary. Nothing lasts forever, so there’s no way a hardship can be a perpetual occurrence.

Thinking optimistically can be incredibly helpful in gathering up the courage to face the situation you’re in and overcome it. Start making changes in your life today, and you’ll be out of the adversity before you even know.

Pause and evaluate

Pondering over the situation from a single angle will never help you cope with the unpredictability. Thinking and blaming can take up all of your energy which is more than enough to break you. Uncertainty needs to be dealt with with a certain degree of calmness and maturity. The best thing to do in this case would be to pause, step back, and evaluate the situation you’re in.

Focus on yourself, listen to what your heart tells you, analyze your surroundings, and you’ll soon be able to find out what’s wrong and what steps do you need to take to make that right. Instead of having a meltdown, take a few breaths, and try to look at the bigger picture. What you need is a practical solution, and this is what will get you that.

Let the feelings take over

If by this time you’re assuming that crying, breaking down, and letting all the emotions overwhelm you would signify you as a weakling, then let’s get that straight. It’s okay to let the feelings consume you; in fact, you can’t get over emotion if you don’t fully face it. So in order to remove something from within you, you have to encounter it and let it pass away.

As a result, you’ll find yourself having a clearer vision, a spirited strength, and amped enthusiasm to get past the struggle. These discoveries will help you understand why life is so unpredictable.

Look at the positive side

Keep looking at the darker side of the picture, and you’ll never see a single ray of hope. Try to change your perspective of viewing a hardship. Instead of thinking that you were the one being dealt with the bad deck of cards and that you keep attracting bad luck, think about what you have to gain from this.

Think about the learnings you’ll take away from this time, the mistakes that you know never to repeat in the future. Especially the newly found strength in you; you probably never even knew the vigour you possessed. Everything holds a positive side to it; you only have to choose to shift your vision. Once you do, you’d stop asking why life is so predictable.

Be grateful

One should always find the courage to be grateful in the bad times. You might be thinking it’s the end of your life, but it’s only when you see yourself from another person’s view that you realize how abundantly you’ve been blessed. Most of the time, we take standard possessions for granted.

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You might have lost your job, but you have health, you have clothes to wear, food to eat, a house to live in, and the ability to find another job. Instead of finding excuses to blame for life being the way it is, invigorate your strength to start anew. Stay content with your life, and you’ll start repelling disappointments to a great extent.

Final Thoughts About Unpredictable Life

Unpredictability is what makes your life worth it. The healthy balance of good and bad experiences shape our personalities and improve us as a human being.

Remember, you always have two sides to the coin; in the end, it all just boils down to how do you decide to take on the hardships.

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Life is short, and for good reason – here’s how to make it more meaningful

Professor, University of Sydney

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Dean Rickles receives funding from The Australian Research Council, The John Templeton Foundation, and the Franklin-Fetzer Fund (through the Foundational Questions Institute).

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In 1605 the great Spanish novelist, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, wrote, through the mouthpiece of Don Quixote of La Mancha , that it is

the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not to venture all his eggs in one basket.

But just how wise is this? I argue not at all.

It is the height of folly “to keep oneself for tomorrow” if one desires a meaningful existence, and simply leads to an un-lived life, filled with nothing but unrealised possibilities and what-might-have-beens. A wise person should surely live a real life?

Yet, for secular society at least, we appear to have taken this quixotic wisdom very much to heart. It seemingly forms the basis of financial portfolio optimisation where it manifests as the dictum that one should “diversify one’s portfolio” and not risk too much in one specific investment. On the surface this might appear to be a good, rational way to live: treat life like an economic problem (where this approach obviously has merit in terms of investment returns) and, above all else, minimise losses. The less we choose, the less we risk. After all, commitment often involves leaving the other options behind. It is risk heavy.

In the psycho-therapeutic context (borrowing from Carl Gustav Jung ’s theories), those that live as if time were unlimited, keeping all options open, are referred as Puer Aeterni : eternal children. It is precisely by grounding oneself in reality, committing to it, choosing some course of action, being decisive, and so on, that one grows up.

Puers live a merely provisional life, since it is essentially an exercise in reality avoidance. This state of being is no better than reading about tasting wine or hearing music, or watching someone else have an orgasm on a screen, and expecting that to be a sufficient proxy for experiencing such things in reality.

Jung was writing almost a century ago. Today, it is as though a peculiar force is driving us further and further from reality. With COVID-19 we found ourselves locked away, teaching and meeting over Zoom, which has persisted beyond the lockdowns. With the advent of “the Metaverse”, humanity faces the possibility of unplugging even more from the real world and from real life.

Of course, technology can be a wonderful tool, and I’m not dismissing the utility of Zoom and virtual reality (which, of course, might allow a more immersive version of Zooming), but we must be constantly on guard against succumbing to attempts to undermine our ability and our existential need to make choices that matter.

A society of people unwilling to commit to action that will affect the world for which they are responsible is tantamount to a society of children, whatever their chronological age. Indeed, the psychoanalyst Dan Kiley once recast this puer complex in terms of J. M. Barrie’s archetypal character Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, whose motto is

Stars are beautiful, but they may not take part in anything, they must just look on forever.

The puer might have “ecstasies innumerable” but find themselves, to quote Barrie again , “looking through the window at the one joy from which [they] must be for ever barred.” And so it is with those unable to commit to some specific future, person, job, etc. They cannot be said to properly live or to engage properly with the world and its inhabitants. They are already living in a kind of simulation.

Jung called this state “the provisional life.” Likewise, much earlier, the stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca, in his book On the Shortness of Life , refers to a “tossing about” rather than a “journey,” which forges a path through the space of possibilities with intention, design, and often courage. Life is not merely existing. It is not just being there through the lapse of time.

Read more: What would Seneca say? Six Stoic tips for surviving lockdown

Commitment as a sacrifice

But perhaps we shouldn’t be quite so dismissive of the avoidance of commitment, as Kiley, Jung, and Seneca were. The world is indeed full of possibilities. But a world full of possibility is also full of uncertainty (the basis of the risk mentioned earlier). And from this uncertainty comes the anxiety of having to face the risking of decisions.

What is the ultimate source of this anxiety? I suspect it is the latent knowledge that each decisive action taken is simultaneously a kind of death; as much a destructive act as a creative or productive one, killing off alternatives to allow just a single one to live.

A commitment is thus a sacrificial offering of sorts, of the other possibilities – this is also a sacrifice to the possibility that is made actual, thereby magnifying its significance. The anxiety is the recognition that decisions can matter in a fundamental way, both for the decider and for the world around them.

Hence, the solution, assumed to be rational, is simply to not make any decisions and keep all options on the table. And, of course, since our space of possibilities is ever-shrinking as we age, we want to retain as many options as possible, viewing them as the very spring of life. But a life without limit can produce only a stagnant pond.

Such limits become most directly observed at a moment of crisis. There are times when we fully realise we stand at a fork in the road. That feeling is fear, because we know at such moments we are pruning away some possibilities in an irreversible way. Indeed, the very word “crisis” comes from the Greek word for deciding: krinein .

The fear is rational because it is a momentous thing. Often this comes at mid-life, of course, because we know that we are also at a turning point: at best, halfway to the end. At this point decisions seem to take on a greater magnitude precisely because our options are becoming more limited. Here, we find that death, like a beam of light, focuses as it narrows.

Ordinarily, we think of limitations (especially death, the ultimate limit) as things that disrupt our freedom precisely because they remove possibilities in this way. But, paradoxically, limits can be seen to give birth to freedom. And, furthermore, this freedom born of limitation is where a bounty of meaning lies for all of us.

Read more: Friday essay: on reckoning with the fact of one's death

Immortality is not a good idea

All of this clearly impacts the ongoing obsession with immortality . This is the biggest folly of all. Living forever, immortality, is not a good idea if you want a life of meaning.

While Seneca argued “it’s not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it,” I argue that life’s very shortness is, in fact, the primary source of its meaning. Life is short, and it is so for good reason.

The German philosopher Martin Heidegger defended a similar view in his book Being and Time, which is undoubtedly a work of genius, but there’s a friendlier version of the idea in the TV Series The Good Place (where the “good place” is the eternal afterlife).

In the penultimate episode, the inhabitants are offered a way out of a bland eternity and into oblivion, many gladly accept the latter precisely because meaning evaporates without limitation.

Read more: Kantian comedy: the philosophy of The Good Place

Death is the most important limitation of all because this finite boundary is required to enable the choosing of possibilities. It makes only some actual, along with the discarding of virtual possibilities.

Death allows us to build meaning into our lives. It leads to the very opposite of virtual reality. Life, through our choices, becomes a kind of reality-construction project. Here lies the bounty.

Of course, many lives are too short in order to generate much or any meaning in this way, when taken too young, for example. There is not much to say by way of justification for this. I certainly would say that while a finite, short life is required for meaning, meaning also demands that life have a duration sufficient to at least allow for the growth of a person to a certain level where they are capable of making choices and forging a path in the world. However, a long life does not necessarily contain more meaning than a shorter one. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once put it, acknowledging that we don’t always get to choose how long we have, “[i]t is not length of life, but depth of life” that really matters.

So while we take away the godlike property of being unlimited when we leave the provisional behind us and commit by making a decision and acting, we open the door to another godlike ability: the creative and cosmic power of choice, of actualising some possibility from the many available.

While it doesn’t seem like it, death is our greatest gift in terms of meaningful existence since it is the very source of choice, of having to decide, precisely due to its focusing effect.

Decisive action is you being in control of what happens. It is you happening to the world, rather than it happening to you. This is real freedom.

Dean Rickles’ book Life is Short is published by Princeton University Press.

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How to get comfortable with uncertainty and change, when life is uncertain, our usual responses and coping strategies might not always work. the practice of mental agility can help us be resilient..

I recently moved to a new apartment, an occasion that calls for celebration—preferably outdoors in my brand-new backyard. But I didn’t expect how much being in a different space would disrupt my sense of safety. So I worried—about my cat escaping out the front door, how to protect my family from COVID, raccoon-transmitted diseases, and more.

After reading Elaine Fox’s new book Switch Craft: The Hidden Power of Mental Agility , I have a better idea of what’s going on. I fall into the category of someone who’s uncomfortable with uncertainty. I love a good routine, and moving disrupted all of mine. I have a need to feel in control of my circumstances, but just about everything in my immediate surroundings changed.

Maybe you fit this description, too, and you have trouble coping when life is full of unknowns or when things don’t turn out as you expected. According to Fox, what we need to cultivate is mental agility—a nimbleness in how we think, feel, and act that will allow us to adapt to changing circumstances.

Feeling uncomfortable with uncertainty

Uncertainty arises when we’re in new situations, like a move or a new job, or when we’re in unpredictable situations—like when we have a job interview, a medical test, an injury, or the possibility of layoffs at work.

Because our brains are future-predicting machines, it’s natural to want to avoid ambiguity. “As human beings, we crave security, and that is why all of us are intolerant of uncertainty to some extent,” writes Fox.

But some have this tendency more than others. For example, you might be intolerant of uncertainty if you love planning, hate surprises, and get frustrated when unexpected things mess up your day. Someone who has trouble with uncertainty might find it hard to make decisions in ambiguous circumstances, because they feel like they don’t have enough information and don’t want to make the wrong choice. 

To avoid the discomfort of uncertainty, some of us engage in what Fox calls “safety behaviors”—things like making lots of lists, constantly double checking, overpreparing, or seeking reassurance from others. For example, you might read a restaurant menu in advance, or repeatedly check in on your kid to make sure they’re doing OK.

If you dislike uncertainty, you might also be a worrier, because worrying actually gives us a sense of control in a difficult situation— at least we’re doing something! You might also shy away from challenges that you could fail at, and lean on tried-and-true pathways in life.

The power of mental agility

To get more comfortable with uncertainty, we need to practice what Fox calls mental agility, or what psychologists call psychological flexibility. Research suggests that people who are more psychologically flexible have higher well-being and tend to be less anxious and worried .

Someone who is psychologically flexible is open to change, or may even find change exciting. When they’re working on a problem, they try lots of different solutions. They don’t see the world in black and white, they like to learn from others, and they often have some unusual ideas of their own.

Mental agility shines when we’re facing change, when things don’t go as expected, or when the future is particularly unpredictable—like, say, when travel plans fall through, going through a divorce, or in a pandemic. At that moment, some people dig their heels in and keep doing what they’ve always done. But mentally agile people are able to recognize when what they’re doing isn’t working, and change things up.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to any of life’s problems,” writes Fox.

She likes the metaphor of using different clubs on a golf course, depending on whether you’re hitting a long shot, swinging from a bunker, or putting. “Life is exactly like that—we’re going to be faced with quite different types of problems and different types of obstacles to get around, and we need different approaches for all of those.”

It comes down to the choice of stick or switch: Should I keep pursuing the same thoughts, feelings, and actions, or do I need to switch to something new?

For example, she says, parents need a veritable smorgasbord of strategies to raise their children, everything from tough discipline and strict boundaries to treating kids to ice cream and a day off. Knowing when to use which one is a sign of healthy flexibility. The same goes for leaders at work, who might want to change the way they manage their employees when the company is going through a season of stress. 

Coping strategies are another good example. Psychologists like to group them into two main types: emotion-focused and problem-focused. Emotion-focused strategies change the way we feel, like distracting ourselves, getting support from friends, or looking at the situation from a different perspective. Problem-focused strategies, on the other hand, involve taking action to solve the problem directly.

No one strategy works all the time, and you’ll often see people get stuck in their favorite way of coping. If you tend toward distraction and denial, you might avoid dealing with a problem that you actually could have solved; if you’re an inveterate problem-solver, you might feel helpless and angry when confronting a problem—or a loved one’s—that has no solution, when all that’s really needed is support and connection.

How to cultivate mental agility

Fox’s book is full of tips to cultivate mental agility, as well as other related skills that can help you roll with the punches in life. Here are a few that felt most practical and new to me.

Surrender to transitions. When something changes in your life—you leave a job, end a relationship, or lose someone you love—recognize that you’re now in a transition. Transitions take time to move through, and they can’t be rushed. Your identity (as an employee, partner, or friend, perhaps) will have to shift and change, as well. Be kind and accepting, and don’t expect too much of yourself as you struggle through this time.

Prepare for change in advance. Sometimes change is unexpected, and other times you see it coming. When you anticipate a big change in life, spend some time exploring your feelings around it. You can list all the ways your life will change, and identify the ones that are causing you anxiety. Give yourself the opportunity to mourn what you will leave behind, but also devote some of your attention to new opportunities that you’re excited about.

Seek out small uncertainties. You can build up your tolerance for uncertainty, Fox explains, by gradually exposing yourself to it on purpose. For example, you could reach out to an acquaintance you haven’t seen in a while, try bargaining for an item you want to buy, or check social media less frequently.

Change up your perspective. One way to do this is to find something small that annoys you, and try to see the silver lining to it. For example, maybe your commute got longer, but that means you have extra time to listen to podcasts.   

When you’re facing a problem, you could change your perspective by brainstorming a handful of solutions, rather than trying to figure out the perfect correct one. Or make list of people you admire, and ask yourself: What would they do in your place? 

Ask a different question. When life is hard, we often find ourselves harping on “why” questions: “Why is this happening to me?” In those moments, Fox suggests letting go of the “why” and asking “how” instead: “How can I change this situation?” Or perhaps you’re already asking a “how” question, but the wrong one: Instead of “How do I stop working so much?,” she explains, try an easier question: “How can I find time to go to the gym?”

Move past worry. Repetitive worrying is one of the most common rigid thought patterns we get stuck in. To break free from it, identify whether the problem you’re worrying about is solvable or not—and take action if you can. If there’s nothing you can do, Fox suggests recording yourself talking in detail about your worries, and then listening to the recording repeatedly until your worries don’t have as much of a hold on you. 

It’s been about two months since my move, and my brain has calmed down about all the changes. (Surrender to transitions—got it.) I definitely see the appeal of being someone who moves through life agilely and with curiosity, letting things happen as they may and feeling confident I’ll figure out how to deal with them. Lists gripped tightly in hand, I have trouble ever imagining myself that way.

But Fox’s book helped put a name and an explanation on something I struggle with, so at least I have a goal to aspire to. Since reading it, I have noticed my knee-jerk resistance to plans changing or doing things someone else’s way, and I have been able to let go. I doubt anyone will ever call me spontaneous and easygoing, but at least I can make a point to expect the unexpected in life.

About the Author

Kira M. Newman

Kira M. Newman is the managing editor of Greater Good . Her work has been published in outlets including the Washington Post , Mindful magazine, Social Media Monthly , and Tech.co, and she is the co-editor of The Gratitude Project . Follow her on Twitter!

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Life is unpredictable: Do your choices determine your destiny?

Table of contents.

Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and unexpected surprises. It is a rollercoaster ride that takes us through moments of joy, sorrow, triumph, and defeat. One thing is certain: life is unpredictable.

We never know what the next chapter will bring, and that uncertainty can be both thrilling and terrifying. In this article, we will delve into the unpredictable nature of life and explore it from a philosophical perspective. We will examine the causes behind life\’s unpredictability, discuss philosophical theories that attempt to make sense of it, and explore strategies for coping with the uncertainty that life throws our way.

Key Points:

• Life is inherently unpredictable and there are various factors that contribute to this unpredictability.
• Philosophical theories such as determinism, free will, and chance play a role in shaping our lives and understanding the nature of existence.
• Embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. Coping mechanisms and philosophical frameworks can help in managing life\’s unpredictability.

The Unpredictable Nature of Life

Life is characterized by its unpredictability. No matter how meticulously we plan or how much control we think we have, there are always factors beyond our grasp that can influence our lives. From unexpected challenges to surprising opportunities, life throws curveballs when we least expect them. In these moments of unpredictability, we are truly tested and have the opportunity to grow and evolve.

One of the reasons life is so unpredictable is because of the complex web of interconnected events and circumstances that shape our existence. Each decision we make, every action we take, and every interaction we have with others can set off a chain reaction that can lead us down a path we never anticipated. It\’s like a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world causing a hurricane in another. The smallest of actions can have far-reaching consequences, making it impossible to predict the exact outcome of any given situation.

External factors also contribute to the unpredictability of life. The world is a chaotic and dynamic place, constantly changing and evolving. Economic fluctuations, technological advancements, natural disasters, and societal shifts can all impact our lives in unexpected ways. We are at the mercy of these external forces, and no matter how much we try to control or predict them, they remain beyond our control.

Philosophical Theories on Life\’s Unpredictability

Throughout history, philosophers have grappled with the question of life\’s unpredictability. They have offered various theories and perspectives to help us make sense of the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us. Let\’s explore some of these philosophical theories and their insights into the nature of life\’s unpredictability.

Determinism

Determinism is a philosophical theory that suggests that all events, including human actions, are determined by previous events and the laws of nature. According to determinism, everything that happens in the universe is the result of a chain of cause and effect, making life inherently predictable. However, this theory has been met with criticism as it negates the role of free will and the possibility of true randomness in the universe.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the theory of free will, which asserts that individuals have the ability to make choices that are not determined by external factors. According to this theory, life is unpredictable because our decisions and actions are not solely dictated by pre-existing conditions. Instead, we have the power to shape our own destiny through the choices we make. However, the existence and extent of free will remain a subject of debate among philosophers and scientists.

Role of Chance

Another perspective on life\’s unpredictability is the role of chance or randomness. This theory suggests that certain events in life occur purely by chance, without any discernible cause or purpose. Randomness can introduce an element of unpredictability into our lives, as even the most well-laid plans can be disrupted by a stroke of luck or misfortune. Embracing the role of chance can be both liberating and terrifying, as it reminds us that no matter how much we try to control our lives, there will always be factors beyond our control.

Embracing Uncertainty as a Vital Aspect of Life

While life\’s unpredictability can be unsettling, there is also beauty and excitement in embracing the unknown . Uncertainty is an essential aspect of the human experience, and accepting it can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a more fulfilling life.

When we resist the unpredictable nature of life and cling to the illusion of control, we create unnecessary suffering for ourselves. It is like trying to swim against a powerful current instead of going with the flow. By accepting that life is unpredictable, we can let go of our attachment to specific outcomes and embrace the possibilities that arise from the unexpected.

Embracing uncertainty also allows us to develop resilience and adaptability. When we are faced with unexpected challenges or opportunities, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop new skills. It is in these moments of uncertainty that we discover our true strengths and capabilities. By embracing the unknown, we become more flexible and open to change, which is essential for navigating the unpredictable nature of life.

Coping Mechanisms for Life\’s Unpredictability

While embracing life\’s unpredictability is important, it is also essential to have coping mechanisms in place to navigate the challenges that arise. Philosophical frameworks offer valuable insights and strategies for managing uncertainty and finding meaning in an unpredictable world.

Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that teaches individuals to focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot. It emphasizes the importance of developing inner resilience and maintaining a sense of tranquility amidst life\’s uncertainties. Stoics believe that by recognizing the limits of our control and accepting the unpredictable nature of life, we can find peace and harmony.

Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility in the face of life\’s uncertainties. It encourages individuals to confront the existential dilemmas of life head-on and create their own meaning and purpose. Existentialists believe that by embracing the unpredictability of existence, we can find authenticity and live more fulfilling lives.

Finding Meaning in an Unpredictable World

One of the most profound questions we grapple with in the face of life\’s unpredictability is the search for meaning. When life throws us off course and challenges our plans, it can be easy to feel lost and disconnected. However, philosophers have offered perspectives on finding purpose and significance amidst life\’s uncertainties.

Reflection and Introspection

Taking the time to reflect on our values, beliefs, and aspirations can help us find meaning in an unpredictable world. By engaging in introspection, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and what truly matters to us. This self-reflection can guide us in making decisions and navigating the uncertainties of life with greater clarity and purpose.

Philosophical Inquiry

Engaging in philosophical inquiry can also provide insights and perspectives on the meaning of life. Whether through reading philosophical texts, attending lectures, or engaging in discussions with others, exploring philosophical ideas can help us make sense of the unpredictability of existence. It can offer different frameworks and perspectives that challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life.

My Journey of Embracing Life\’s Unpredictability

Life is unpredictable. I had plans to be a lawyer and marry my high school sweetheart. But life had other plans. When my partner ended our relationship, I was heartbroken. Life is unpredictable. I read philosophy books to understand life\’s uncertainty. The books taught me to accept the unknown in life. Life is unpredictable but embracing uncertainty opened me to new possibilities. I practiced mindfulness to appreciate each day, regardless of life\’s surprises. Life is unpredictable but I now approach challenges with resilience. Philosophy helped me find meaning amidst life\’s unpredictability.

Life is unpredictable, as philosophers have long observed. Theories like determinism and free will debate how much control we have over our fates. But most agree – uncertainty is inevitable.Rather than futilely seek certainty, we can grow by embracing life\’s unpredictability. Stoics, existentialists and Buddhists provide frameworks to maintain equanimity when plans unravel. Accepting impermanence and change leads to resilience.

Coping with life\’s uncertainties begins with self-reflection. By focusing inward, we can discover meaning amidst chaos. Daily mindfulness, gratitude practice and living in the present moment help us appreciate life despite its unpredictability.When life is unpredictable, self-kindness eases anxiety. Avoiding fixation on uncontrollable factors keeps us calm. Support from loved ones gives strength to weather storms. Learning new skills expands our capacity to adapt.

Of course, surrendering to uncertainty is challenging. We naturally seek control and permanence. However, resisting life\’s ephemeral nature causes suffering. By openly embracing change, we find peace and possibilities.Though life is unpredictable, we are not helpless. Taking charge of what we can, while accepting what we cannot, brings wisdom and serenity. With an attitude of flexibility, life\’s twists and turns become opportunities for growth.

Embracing Change and Adaptability

Life is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt to these changes is crucial for navigating its unpredictable nature. Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism offer valuable teachings on embracing change and impermanence.

Buddhism teaches that attachment to specific outcomes and resistance to change are the sources of suffering. By embracing impermanence and letting go of our attachments, we can find peace and contentment even in the face of life\’s uncertainties. Buddhism encourages individuals to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance as pathways to happiness.

Taoism espouses the idea of going with the flow and embracing the natural rhythm of life. It emphasizes the concept of Wu Wei, which translates to \”effortless action.\” By surrendering to the ebb and flow of life, we can find harmony and balance amidst the unpredictability of existence.

Balancing Control and Surrender

Finding a balance between the desire for control and the acceptance of life\’s unpredictability is a delicate dance. On one hand, it is essential to take charge of the controllable aspects of our lives and make proactive choices that align with our values and goals. On the other hand, it is equally important to surrender to the unknown and trust in the unfolding of life\’s journey.

Finding this balance requires self-awareness and discernment. It involves recognizing the aspects of our lives that are within our control and taking responsibility for them. Simultaneously, it requires cultivating a sense of surrender and letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes. By striking this balance, we can navigate the unpredictable nature of life with grace and resilience.

The Role of Philosophy in Navigating Life\’s Unpredictability

Philosophy plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate the uncertainties of life. It provides a framework for reflection, introspection, and inquiry into the fundamental questions of existence. By engaging with philosophical ideas, we can gain insights and perspectives that help us make sense of life\’s unpredictability.

Philosophy encourages us to examine our beliefs, challenge our assumptions, and explore alternative perspectives. It invites us to question the status quo and think critically about the world around us. By engaging in philosophical inquiry, we expand our intellectual horizons and develop the tools to navigate the unpredictable nature of life with wisdom and clarity.

Strategies for Coping with Life\’s Unpredictability

While philosophy offers valuable insights, it is also important to have practical strategies for coping with life\’s unpredictability. Here are some tips to help you navigate the uncertainties that arise:

Practice self-kindness:

Be gentle with yourself when faced with unexpected challenges. Treat yourself with compassion and practice self-care to maintain your well-being.

Recognize achievements:

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing your achievements can boost your confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment amidst the unpredictability of life.

Learn new skills:

Embrace opportunities for growth and learning. Acquiring new skills can enhance your adaptability and open doors to new possibilities.

Avoid fixation on uncontrollable factors:

Focus on the aspects of life that you can control and influence. Direct your energy towards making positive changes rather than dwelling on factors beyond your control.

Practice positive self-talk:

Cultivate a positive inner dialogue. Replace self-doubt and negative thoughts with affirmations and encouraging words that reinforce your resilience and ability to navigate uncertainty.

Take charge of controllable aspects:

Identify the areas of your life where you have agency and take proactive steps to make positive changes. Focusing on what you can control can create a sense of empowerment and stability.

Seek support from loved ones:

Surround yourself with a strong support system. When life feels unpredictable, lean on your loved ones for guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear.

Life is unpredictable. We can\’t control everything. But philosophy teaches us to accept uncertainty. By embracing life\’s twists and turns, we find meaning. Though the future is unknown, we can live fully now. Each moment holds possibilities a world full of unpredictability, it is essential to cherish the present moment. Mindfulness practices can help us stay grounded and fully engaged in the here and now. Practicing gratitude is another powerful tool for embracing the present moment.

By cultivating awareness of the present moment, we can find joy, gratitude, and peace amidst the chaos of life.Life is unpredictable, yet we have inner strength to adapt. Through reflection and growth, we gain resilience. Supportive loved ones ease the journey. Come what may, we can handle life\’s ups and downs.

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Life is unpredictable

Read the full essay 2394 words

The Unpredictability of Life

I'm a freelance writer!

Life is so unpredictable at times.

One minute everything is going exactly as planned and then out of the blue, your whole world crashes down. All it takes is a flick of a button and your world is turned upside down. You never know what sort of event will happen.

Maybe you're the sort of person who takes one step at a time and could care less what happens next or you're like me who needs to know what's ahead. I hate not knowing what will happen 10 years from now. Will I be successful? Will I be married? Will I have kids? Will I be happy? Will I have plenty of friends and family by my side? The questions constantly eat at me and make me wonder what life will look like.

Death often haunts me and I often think about how I'll take the death of a loved one. It's frightening to think one day my parents simply not being around. How will I cope? Will I continue to live without them? In terms of my boyfriend, if we do in fact get married, how will I handle this death? I know how I'd feel right now: completely and utterly distraught. At this point, I couldn't go on without him by my side.

You see, there are those who are independent and ones who are independent. I'd definitely consider myself dependent. I don't believe I could make it on my own. I often seek advice from others, so if I ever lost that, I have no idea what I would do. I usually ask others their opinion and base mine on theirs. It's a terrible tactic, but it's the solid truth. But, in a blink of an eye, life will throw you a curve ball that makes you make a decision then and there. Is there ever a right or wrong decision?

Well, if I decided not to go to the store this morning, my sister might not have gotten into a car accident. Or, if I hadn't pressured my best friend into coming to my recital, she wouldn't have been hit by a bus. In these circumstances, you have no clue what their destiny truly would have been. You'll always have to wonder "what could have been." And, that's what I don't like about life.

But, I suppose I'll just have to see where the waves take me.

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Essay on Life Is a Journey

Students are often asked to write an essay on Life Is a Journey in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Life Is a Journey

The concept of life.

Life is often compared to a journey. Just like a journey, life has a beginning and an end. We are born, we grow, and we eventually pass away.

Paths in Life

In our life journey, we traverse different paths. Some paths are smooth, others are rocky. These paths represent the challenges and triumphs we face.

Travel Companions

On this journey, we are never alone. We meet people who become our companions. They help us navigate our path and make our journey worthwhile.

Lessons Learned

Life, like any journey, teaches us valuable lessons. These lessons shape us into who we are and guide us towards our destination.

In conclusion, life is a journey filled with experiences and lessons. Embrace the journey and cherish every moment.

250 Words Essay on Life Is a Journey

The metaphor of life.

Life is often compared to a journey, a metaphorical concept that demonstrates the progression of life from birth to death. This journey is not merely a physical one, but rather a voyage of self-discovery, personal growth, and understanding.

Unpredictability and Challenges

The unpredictability of life’s journey is what makes it thrilling and daunting at the same time. We encounter various challenges, obstacles, and detours that test our resilience. These obstacles can be seen as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow, shaping our personalities and perspectives.

Companionship on the Journey

Life’s journey is also marked by the companions we meet along the way. These relationships, whether they last a lifetime or a fleeting moment, can have a profound impact on our journey. They provide us with valuable lessons about empathy, love, and the importance of connection.

Appreciating the Journey

The journey of life is not just about reaching a destination. It’s about appreciating the journey itself, the experiences, and the growth that comes with it. It’s about understanding that each step, each decision, and each experience, positive or negative, contributes to our overall journey.

In conclusion, life’s journey is a complex tapestry of experiences, lessons, and relationships. It is unpredictable, challenging, and filled with opportunities for growth. As we navigate through it, we must remember to appreciate the journey, the companions we meet, and the lessons we learn. After all, life is not just about the destination but the journey itself.

500 Words Essay on Life Is a Journey

The metaphor of life as a journey.

The metaphor of life as a journey is a profound and timeless one. It illustrates the process of human existence, from birth to death, as a voyage filled with experiences, challenges, and learning. This metaphor encourages us to perceive life not as a destination but as a journey, where the ultimate goal is not to reach a particular endpoint, but to grow, learn, and evolve along the way.

Stages of the Journey

The journey of life is composed of several stages. Each stage represents a unique phase of our life, marked by distinctive challenges and opportunities for growth. The stages begin with childhood, a time of innocence and discovery. This stage is followed by adolescence, a period of exploration and self-definition. Adulthood comes next, bringing with it the responsibilities of career, family, and society. Finally, old age is a time for reflection, wisdom, and acceptance.

Challenges and Growth

Just as any journey is fraught with obstacles and difficulties, so too is the journey of life. These challenges, however, should not be seen as deterrents but as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. They provide us with the chance to learn about our strengths and weaknesses, to develop resilience, and to cultivate empathy and understanding towards others. Each challenge we overcome makes us stronger and more capable, shaping us into the individuals we become.

The Importance of the Journey

The essence of the journey metaphor lies in its emphasis on the process, rather than the destination. It teaches us to value the experiences and lessons we gain along the way, rather than fixating on a final goal. This perspective encourages us to live in the present, to appreciate our current circumstances, and to make the most of every moment. It reminds us that the journey itself is the reward, and that every step we take is a part of our personal growth and evolution.

The Role of Companionship

No journey is meant to be undertaken alone. Companionship plays a crucial role in our life’s journey. Our companions – family, friends, mentors – provide us with support, guidance, and encouragement. They share in our joys and sorrows, help us navigate through difficulties, and enrich our journey with their presence. Companionship adds depth and meaning to our journey, making it all the more worthwhile.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

In conclusion, life is a journey filled with stages, challenges, growth, and companionship. It is a voyage that provides us with countless opportunities to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves. As we navigate through this journey, it is important to remember that the value lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself. As we continue on our path, let us cherish our experiences, learn from our challenges, appreciate our companions, and above all, enjoy the journey. Because, in the end, life is not about where we are going, but how we get there.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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• Essay on My First Train Journey
• Essay on An Unforgettable Journey
• Essay on A Memorable Journey

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Engineering Management Institute

Life ‘s Unpredictable Journey: What Can We Learn From It?

September 27, 2010 By EMI

Featured Guest Blogger: William Merunka Follow me on my journey to become a great engineer. Let’s connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/williammerunka

Life is a journey, and sometimes during our journey we hit dark, murky territory that seems frightening.  Sometimes it leads to other tough terrain that we struggle through, and other times it leads to a beautiful, illuminated open area.  Either way it is all a part of the journey of life.

On this journey through life, we learn a lot of lessons that helps us develop as individuals as well as prepare us for our future adventures.  Sometimes these lessons make a powerful impact on our life, and it is hard to forget about the benefits and consequences that resulted from these lessons.  In these cases, when we encounter similar situations, we automatically think back to when we first encountered this kind of situation and how the event turned out.  Other times, the lesson is often forgotten about and you may not recall it until you are in the situation again and it is too late to alter your actions to obtain a positive outcome.  When we realize that we have been down the same road in the past, we often get mad at ourselves for not learning from our past and letting ourselves go down the same road again even though we promised ourselves that we would not let it happen again.

While this lack of learning from past experiences may seem to happen often and be unchangeable, it is not.  There are ways that you can increase the positive learning experience from even the worse situation you ever encountered.   One valuable method is to reflect on your experiences after you go through them.  Think about the way you confronted the problem.  Did your method resolve the issue?  Was it the only way to solve the problem, or were there other possible solutions?  This process can be done for positive and negative outcomes.

When reflecting on your experiences, it is importot reach its full potential.  These evaluations should be kept in a single book so that you can easily find the information as opposed to looking through various scrap papersant to also document the findings.  If you just think about the journey, but not document it, it is easy to forget about the experience, and your evaluation process would n to find what you are looking for.  When you make your book, you should review it on a regular basis so that you would be able to identify the situation the next time it happened before it was too late.

Self evaluation is an important step to becoming successful in your career.   Without self-evaluation, roads will constantly be dark and murky as opposed to bright and easy to navigate.

What are some ways that you learn from your life experiences?  Do you have a daily or weekly routine that you follow?

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70 Life Is Unpredictable Quotes To Inspire You Live It Up

• February 25, 2023
• Inspirational Quotes

Looking for quotes about life is uncertain and unpredictable? We have rounded up the best collection of life is unpredictable quotes, sayings, phrases, messages, status, and captions, (with images and pictures).

Life is unpredictable, and that is what makes it both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

No matter how much we try to plan, control or predict the future, there are always unexpected twists and turns that can completely change our course.

This unpredictability can be difficult to navigate, but it can also lead to some of life’s most beautiful and meaningful moments.

We are forced to adapt, grow, learn, and face challenges that we never thought possible.

Life’s unpredictability can teach us to be more resilient, appreciate the present moment, and find joy in unexpected places.

Many famous authors, actors, leaders, and writers have explored the concept of life’s unpredictability and its impact on our lives.

These notable quotes will inspire you to live in the moment and enjoy love and life.

Don’t forget to read our collection of tomorrow is never promised quotes to inspire you to appreciate your loved ones and life.

Life Is Unpredictable Quotes

• “I am an unpredictable journey.”- Claire Forlani
• “Life is unpredictable. Death is inevitable.” – Arshad

• “Accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be.”
• “At its best, life is completely unpredictable.”- Christopher Walken
• “I figured something out. The future is unpredictable.”- John Green
• “Love is as irrational as hate and just as unpredictable.”- Marty Rubin
• “Life is unpredictable. Always be prepared for the best and the worst.”
• “The unexpected and unpredictable is real.”- Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
• “Life is too short and unpredictable not to live it exactly as you please.”
• “I’m reminded today how unpredictable God can be.”- Francesca Battistelli
• “Others follow patterns; we alone are unpredictable.”- Mignon McLaughlin
• “Happiness came in moments of unpredictable loveliness.”- Anthony Marra
• “Be unpredictable, be real, be interesting. Tell a good story.”- James Dashner
• “Everything is unpredictable once you are inside the ring.”- Tomoki Kameda
• “Music is always changing and the changes are unpredictable.”- Billy Sheehan
• “At odd and unpredictable times, we cling in fright to the past.”- Isaac Asimov
• “Don’t be too organized for your future. Life is unpredictable. Things change.”
• “When people expect me to go right, I’ll go left. I’m unpredictable.”- Paula Abdul
• “Life is unpredictable when you get non-standard behavior patterns.”- Jake Busey
• “Life is unpredictable and you need to live every day to the fullest.”- Doug Hutchison
• “How complicated and unpredictable the machinery of life really is.”- Kurt Vonnegut
• “The more unpredictable the world is the more we rely on predictions.”- Steve Rivkin

• “I like having a routine, because everything else is so unpredictable.” – Jordana Brewster
• “The very nature of interactions is bound to make it unpredictable.”- Carl von Clausewitz
• “Nothing is written in stone, as a career is an unpredictable journey.”- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• “It’s a combination of life being unpredictable, and you being super dumb.”- Aaron Sorkin

• “I don’t make plans, because life is short and unpredictable – much like the weather!”- Al Roker
• “Life is so unpredictable you can’t predict it but surely you can enjoy the present.” – Akansha Aakriti
• “It is predictable that God will take care of us. What’s unpredictable is how he will do it.”- Donna VanLiere
• “Embrace the unpredictable and unexpected. It is the path to the infinitely creative in you.”- Deepak Chopra
• “But the wild is unpredictable, stuff does happen, and it’s always when you’re least expecting it.”- Bear Grylls
• “The course of life is unpredictable, no one can write his autobiography in advance.”- Rabbi Abraham Heschel
• “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell
• “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself; in your way of thinking.” ― Marcus Aurelius

• “Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don’t get so worked up about things.” ― Kenneth Branagh
• “Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future; concentrate the mind on the present moment.” ― Buddha
• “Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch you in next.”- Henry Ward Beecher

• “The only thing we know about the future is that it will be faster changing and more unpredictable than the present.”- Brian Tracy
• “Science is about predictions based on predictable fact. Life is about surprises based on the unpredictable reality.”- Ori Hofmekler
• “When the world is predictable you need smart people. When the world is unpredictable you need adaptable people.”- Henry Mintzberg
• “Life is unpredictable…so live happily till it lasts. Everything we have can be snatched away in a moment by the Jaws of death.” – Shyam V
• “When you allow yourself to be unpredictable, you step from the known into the unknown, where anything is possible.” – Deepak Chopra
• “Life is so unpredictable….Sadness comes when it is not welcomed…and happiness comes when it is least expected!!!” – Farha Ambreen
• “Life is just too short, too unpredictable and too complicated. Be happy no matter what, a smile sometimes is all you need.”- Shahid Kapoor
• “You can lead a happy life if you recognize that it’s limited and completely unpredictable from one moment to the next.”- Wolfgang Schauble
• “The idea that the future is unpredictable is undermined every day by the ease with which the past is explained.”- Daniel Kahneman
• “You can either take action, or you can hang back and hope for a miracle. Miracles are great, but they are so unpredictable.”- Peter Drucker
• “Life is no different than the weather. Not only is it unpredictable, but it shows us a new perspective of the world every day.”- Suzy Kassem

• “Life is so damn unpredictable. One moment you think all your dreams are coming true and very next second, you find that you were actually dreaming.”
• “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.”- Gilda Radner

• “Human destiny is bound to remain a gamble, because at some unpredictable time and in some unforeseeable manner nature will strike back.”- Rene Dubos
• “Life is a very wild and very unpredictable thing. Be sure to spend it with the people who value your time, your energy, and the total essence of who you are.”
• “Life is unpredictable. We can not tell what will happen in a minute. We have no control of tomorrow and it’s details. Live a careful life.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
• “Of course there must be the urge, the indefinable longing to get something through into terms of plastic presentation, but results are nearly always unpredictable.”- Lawren Harris
• “Life is a desert of shifting sand dunes. Unpredictable. Erratic. Harmony changes into dissonance, the immediate outlives the profound, esoteric becomes cliched. And vice versa.”- Ella Leya
• “When you can become completely impassive in play, then you become fluid and completely unpredictable. No one knows, including yourself, what you will do next. You couldn’t even explain it.”- Frederick Lenz
• “Give as much as you can at every possible opportunity. If you can’t afford to give money, give your time. If you can’t afford the time, give your heart. Blessings come back to you in unpredictable ways.”- Rita Zahara
• “Life is unpredictable, it changes with the seasons, even your coldest winter, happens for the best of reasons, and though it feels eternal, like all you’ll ever do is freeze, I promise spring is coming, and with it, brand new leaves.”
• “The world is so unpredictable. Things happen suddenly, unexpectedly. We want to feel we are in control of our own existence. In some ways we are, in some ways we’re not. We are ruled by the forces of chance and coincidence.”- Paul Auster
• “I know from my own experience that you’ve got to be ready on day one. There is just too much unpredictable threat and danger in the world today to try to just say wait, I’ll get to that when I can. That is just not an acceptable approach.”- Hillary Clinton
• “Like life, basketball is messy and unpredictable. It has its way with you, no matter how hard you try to control it. The trick is to experience each moment with a clear mind and open heart. When you do that, the game – and life – will take care of itself.”- Phil Jackson
• “Life is unpredictable; it can change like the weather. And what do you do when the weather changes? You dress accordingly. You don’t waste time wishing for better weather, because it will be back soon enough. So, what do you do when life changes unexpectedly? You take a deep breath, think positively and just keep living.”
• “To live in the light of a new day and an unimaginable and unpredictable future, you must become fully present to a deeper truth – not a truth from you head but a truth from your heart; not a truth from your ego but a truth from the highest source. You have to be willing to be deeply honest with yourself about the shape your life is in each day.”- Debbie Ford

If you like these quotes, do check out our post on be present quotes and live in the present moment to appreciate life and enjoy it fully.

Feel free to share these uplifting quotes with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Pinterest, and more.

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Live Life With A Smile | 40 “Life is Unpredictable” Quotes

Turtle quotes.

• 4th October 2022
• Inspirational Quotes , Life Quotes , Positive Quotes

Last updated on October 26th, 2022 at 04:10 am

Nobody can predict what life will hold. You can plan and prepare all you want, but occasionally life will surprise you. It could be advantageous or detrimental, but it is always something unexpected. The unpredictable nature of life is what makes it so fascinating. You must be ready for everything since you never know what will occur next.

Here, we’ll look through “40 Life Is Unpredictable Quotes”. You’ll be motivated by these quotes on uncertainty. Don’t forget to spread the word to your relatives and friends.

Inspirational Life Is Unpredictable Quotes

Positive life is unpredictable quotes, relationship life is unpredictable quotes, more life is unpredictable quotes.

What occurs has nothing to do with our fantasies and expectations. Life events are not the only ones that are unpredictable; even death, our romantic relationships, and persons we believe to be reliable can turn out to be unreliable.

We have curated some of the best ” Life Is Unpredictable” quotes and sayings that challenge our fragile egos and emerge victorious with better life perspectives.

“Accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be.” ANONYMOUS

“Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don’t get so worked up about things.”  KENNETH BRANAGH

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself; in your way of thinking.” MARCUS AURELIUS

“Embrace the unpredictable and unexpected. It is the path to the infinitely creative in you.” DEEPAK CHOPRA

“Life is no different than the weather. Not only is it unpredictable, but it shows us a new perspective of the world every day.” SUZY KASSEM

“İf you want to win the game of life, there is only one way — you must be unpredictable. Otherwise, life will never forgive such a deadly sin.” ELMAR HUSSEIN

“Life is just too short, too unpredictable and too complicated. Be happy no matter what, a smile sometimes is all you need.” SHAHID KAPOOR

“Life is unpredictable and as the journey goes, it keeps on moving.” SHELLIE PALMER

“You can either take action, or you can hang back and hope for a miracle. Miracles are great, but they are so unpredictable.” PETER DRUCKER

“Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future; concentrate the mind on the present moment.”  BUDDHA

“Life is unpredictable, and it likes to remind you of this at the most inopportune times. In order to be successful, you must be flexible. Things won’t go your way. Life will throw a wrench in your plan as soon as you finish constructing it.” CHRIS JOHNSTON

Maintaining a cheerful attitude is a universal reality that can make or break your day. Here, we’ve compiled the top “ Positive Life Is Unpredictable” proverbs and sayings to help you stay upbeat and joyful throughout the year.

“Life is unpredictable and you need to live every day to the fullest.” DOUG HUTCHISON

“Life is unpredictable…so live happily till it lasts. Everything we have can be snatched away in a moment by the Jaws of death.” SHYAM V

“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”  JOSEPH CAMPBELL

“Life is so unpredictable you can’t predict it but surely you can enjoy the present.”  AKANSHA AAKRITI

“Life is unpredictable. Always be prepared for the best and the worst.” ANONYMOUS

Discover and Share quotes on how unpredictable relationships are. Check out our selection of inspiring words and sayings.

“Life is so damn unpredictable. One moment you think all your dreams are coming true and very next second, you find that you were actually dreaming.” ANONYMOUS

“Love is as irrational as hate and just as unpredictable.” MARTY RUBIN

“Remember, when it starts hurting, life is trying to teach you something.” ANONYMOUS

“The truth is that they come to you when you are not ready, and leaves when you need them most.” ANONYMOUS

“Life is so unpredictably unexpected. You never know when you’ll hit a new peak or low. The key is to just go with the flow.” ANONYMOUS

“Life is so unpredictable you never know what’s coming ahead, but at a point in life you start to realize who matter; who never did; and who always will.”   ANONYMOUS

Below are some more “Life is Unpredictable” quotes, sayings, phrases, messages, status updates, and captions.

“Life is too short and unpredictable not to live it exactly as you please.” ANONYMOUS

“Life is unpredictable and it doesn’t follow a map.” AUTUMN DOUGHTON

“There is no right decision in life, because every decision we make is new and unpredictable.” M.F. MOONZAJER

“The course of life is unpredictable, no one can write his autobiography in advance.” RABBI ABRAHAM HESCHEL

“Life is actually a series of encounters in which one event may change those that follow in a wholly unpredictable, even devastating way.” MICHAEL CRICHTON

“Life is unpredictable and you never know what is coming next. Don’t ever get too comfortable. Always be ready to change.”    ANONYMOUS

“The very nature of interactions is bound to make it unpredictable.” CARL VON CLAUSEWITZ

“Life is so unpredictable. We desire something, plan something and get something else.”  ANONYMOUS

“It is predictable that God will take care of us. What’s unpredictable is how he will do it.”- DONNA VANLIERE

“One thing I’ve learned is that life is highly unpredictable, and sometimes it’s better to just go with the flow rather than try to plan everything out.”   ANONYMOUS

“Nothing is written in stone, as a career is an unpredictable journey.” ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC

“The more unpredictable the world is the more we rely on predictions.” STEVE RIVKIN

“Everything is unpredictable once you are inside the ring.” TOMOKI KAMEDA

“Happiness came in moments of unpredictable loveliness.” ANTHONY MARRA

“Don’t be too organized for your future. Life is unpredictable. Things change.” ANONYMOUS

If you look at it, living a happy life is very simple; it depends solely on us and our mindset. The unpredictability of life is truly a lesson at times, and it is indeed the compulsion to run the natural cycle of human life. Without this, life ceases to be a life without flavour.

So, start to believe that life is unpredictable and let go of the planned life and accept the one that comes to you. If you like these quotes, then you must also read: Top 45 Motivational Life Goes On Quotes .

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What Sentencing Could Look Like if Trump Is Found Guilty

By Norman L. Eisen

Mr. Eisen is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

For all the attention to and debate over the unfolding trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan, there has been surprisingly little of it paid to a key element: its possible outcome and, specifically, the prospect that a former and potentially future president could be sentenced to prison time.

The case — brought by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, against Mr. Trump — represents the first time in our nation’s history that a former president is a defendant in a criminal trial. As such, it has generated lots of debate about the case’s legal strength and integrity, as well as its potential impact on Mr. Trump’s efforts to win back the White House.

A review of thousands of cases in New York that charged the same felony suggests something striking: If Mr. Trump is found guilty, incarceration is an actual possibility. It’s not certain, of course, but it is plausible.

Jury selection has begun, and it’s not too soon to talk about what the possibility of a sentence, including a prison sentence, would look like for Mr. Trump, for the election and for the country — including what would happen if he is re-elected.

The case focuses on alleged interference in the 2016 election, which consisted of a hush-money payment Michael Cohen, the former president’s fixer at the time, made in 2016 to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump. Mr. Bragg is arguing that the cover-up cheated voters of the chance to fully assess Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

This may be the first criminal trial of a former president in American history, but if convicted, Mr. Trump’s fate is likely to be determined by the same core factors that guide the sentencing of every criminal defendant in New York State Court.

Comparable cases. The first factor is the base line against which judges measure all sentences: how other defendants have been treated for similar offenses. My research encompassed almost 10,000 cases of felony falsifying business records that have been prosecuted across the state of New York since 2015. Over a similar period, the Manhattan D.A. has charged over 400 of these cases . In roughly the first year of Mr. Bragg’s tenure, his team alone filed 166 felony counts for falsifying business records against 34 people or companies.

Contrary to claims that there will be no sentence of incarceration for falsifying business records, when a felony conviction involves serious misconduct, defendants can be sentenced to some prison time. My analysis of the most recent data indicates that approximately one in 10 cases in which the most serious charge at arraignment is falsifying business records in the first degree and in which the court ultimately imposes a sentence, results in a term of imprisonment.

To be clear, these cases generally differ from Mr. Trump’s case in one important respect: They typically involve additional charges besides just falsifying records. That clearly complicates what we might expect if Mr. Trump is convicted.

Nevertheless, there are many previous cases involving falsifying business records along with other charges where the conduct was less serious than is alleged against Mr. Trump and prison time was imposed. For instance, Richard Luthmann was accused of attempting to deceive voters — in his case, impersonating New York political figures on social media in an attempt to influence campaigns. He pleaded guilty to three counts of falsifying business records in the first degree (as well as to other charges). He received a sentence of incarceration on the felony falsification counts (although the sentence was not solely attributable to the plea).

A defendant in another case was accused of stealing in excess of $50,000 from her employer and, like in this case, falsifying one or more invoices as part of the scheme. She was indicted on a single grand larceny charge and ultimately pleaded guilty to one felony count of business record falsification for a false invoice of just under $10,000. She received 364 days in prison.

To be sure, for a typical first-time offender charged only with run-of-the-mill business record falsification, a prison sentence would be unlikely. On the other hand, Mr. Trump is being prosecuted for 34 counts of conduct that might have changed the course of American history.

Seriousness of the crime. Mr. Bragg alleges that Mr. Trump concealed critical information from voters (paying hush money to suppress an extramarital relationship) that could have harmed his campaign, particularly if it came to light after the revelation of another scandal — the “Access Hollywood” tape . If proved, that could be seen not just as unfortunate personal judgment but also, as Justice Juan Merchan has described it, an attempt “to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.”

History and character. To date, Mr. Trump has been unrepentant about the events alleged in this case. There is every reason to believe that will not change even if he is convicted, and lack of remorse is a negative at sentencing. Justice Merchan’s evaluation of Mr. Trump’s history and character may also be informed by the other judgments against him, including Justice Arthur Engoron’s ruling that Mr. Trump engaged in repeated and persistent business fraud, a jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll and a related defamation verdict by a second jury.

Justice Merchan may also weigh the fact that Mr. Trump has been repeatedly held in contempt , warned , fined and gagged by state and federal judges. That includes for statements he made that exposed witnesses, individuals in the judicial system and their families to danger. More recently, Mr. Trump made personal attacks on Justice Merchan’s daughter, resulting in an extension of the gag order in the case. He now stands accused of violating it again by commenting on witnesses.

What this all suggests is that a term of imprisonment for Mr. Trump, while far from certain for a former president, is not off the table. If he receives a sentence of incarceration, perhaps the likeliest term is six months, although he could face up to four years, particularly if Mr. Trump chooses to testify, as he said he intends to do , and the judge believes he lied on the stand . Probation is also available, as are more flexible approaches like a sentence of spending every weekend in jail for a year.

We will probably know what the judge will do within 30 to 60 days of the end of the trial, which could run into mid-June. If there is a conviction, that would mean a late summer or early fall sentencing.

Justice Merchan would have to wrestle in the middle of an election year with the potential impact of sentencing a former president and current candidate.

If Mr. Trump is sentenced to a period of incarceration, the reaction of the American public will probably be as polarized as our divided electorate itself. Yet as some polls suggest — with the caveat that we should always be cautious of polls early in the race posing hypothetical questions — many key swing state voters said they would not vote for a felon.

If Mr. Trump is convicted and then loses the presidential election, he will probably be granted bail, pending an appeal, which will take about a year. That means if any appeals are unsuccessful, he will most likely have to serve any sentence starting sometime next year. He will be sequestered with his Secret Service protection; if it is less than a year, probably in Rikers Island. His protective detail will probably be his main company, since Mr. Trump will surely be isolated from other inmates for his safety.

If Mr. Trump wins the presidential election, he can’t pardon himself because it is a state case. He will be likely to order the Justice Department to challenge his sentence, and department opinions have concluded that a sitting president could not be imprisoned, since that would prevent the president from fulfilling the constitutional duties of the office. The courts have never had to address the question, but they could well agree with the Justice Department.

So if Mr. Trump is convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration, its ultimate significance is probably this: When the American people go to the polls in November, they will be voting on whether Mr. Trump should be held accountable for his original election interference.

What questions do you have about Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial so far?

Please submit them below. Our trial experts will respond to a selection of readers in a future piece.

Norman L. Eisen investigated the 2016 voter deception allegations as counsel for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump and is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

‘He Is Our Sinatra’: Lin-Manuel Miranda on Why Marc Anthony — and His New Album, ‘Muevense’ — Are So Important (EXCLUSIVE)

By Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda

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New York City is filled with Latin music icons, and legendary singer Marc Anthony and “Hamilton” / “In the Heights”/ “Encanto” composer Lin-Manuel Miranda are two in a long and illustrious legacy. With Anthony’s new album “Muevense” arriving this Friday — and him performing his new single, “Ale, Ale,” at the Latin American Music Awards tonight on Univision — Miranda took the time to pay tribute to “our Sinatra”: the man whose music, as you’ll see below, was the soundtrack to so much of his life.

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It may have been your last Spring Break with your friends, screaming “Voy a reír, voy a bailar…” at the top of your lungs. It may have been blasting “No Me Conoces” during your first heartbreak (“Y AHORA RESULTA QUE NO SOY SUFICIENTE PARA TI, WHOAAA…” you sang to that empty bedroom). Or walking down the aisle to “Vivir Lo Nuestro”/ “Nadie Como Ella,” too many classics to count.

Here’s my Marc Anthony Story. My first album was “Otra Nota,” which I purchased at Nobody Beats The Wiz with my 13th birthday money in 1993, because “Palabras Del Alma” was already so inescapable that I had to hear the rest of the album. Even as a teenager, I knew that the passion and depth in this young man’s voice was beyond anything I’d ever heard in salsa. It forced me to double down on learning to dance salsa, so that by the time “Todo A Su Tiempo” came out in 1995, I was ready to tear up the dance floor at Mayra Linares’ quinceañera with all her gorgeous friends.

I was at the New York Puerto Rican Day Parade in 1997, watching Marc Anthony on the main stage on 86th Street and 5th Avenue, when Tito Puente came by on a passing float. He pointed at Marc, jumped down from his parade float, and took to the mainstage for a blistering timbale solo on the song already in progress, a passing of the torch I’ll never forget.

I went to see Marc Anthony’s Broadway debut in “The Capeman” that same year, and sang “Adios Hermanos” with my friends at graduation.

My mother reports that after she dropped me, her youngest child, off to college in 1998, she listened to “Contra La Corriente” for a month straight. “’YO TRATO, TRATO, TRATO, PERO NO TE OLVIDO…’ Lin-Manuel, I was so depressed at our empty nest and that album got me through it.”

When my son Francisco was born, Marc’s voice was singing on our childbirth playlist: “Si te vas, si te vaaas…”

I could go on, but these notes only have so much space.

All this to say, a new Marc Anthony album is always cause for celebration, and it speaks to the timelessness and consistency of his voice and his musical collaborators that at any moment you can turn on any radio station and within the same commercial-free music block, hear a song he recorded last year next to a song he recorded 30 years ago. He is our Sinatra, and when we hear him, we also hear the echoes of all the unforgettable moments in our own lives.

And now here comes “MUEVENSE,” a new soundtrack for the next chapter in Marc’s life and ours. The blistering title track, “Muevense,” which is all over ONE CHORD, but contains a universe of syncopation and will flood all dance floors. An ex-lover classic in “Punta Cana,” which joins “No Me Conoces,” “Hasta Ayer” and “Y Hubo Alguien” in the pantheon of “You Broke Up With Me and You’ll Always Regret It.”  But “I’m Thriving” anthems, now in bachata mode! “Si Te Enamoro,” headed for your next wedding playlist immediately. “Ojala Te Duela,” a historic foray into mariachi with the great Pepe Aguilar, and confirms what we have always known: that lágrima in Marc’s voice transcends styles and musical boundaries. “En La Distancia,” by the great Colombian songwriter Fonseca, has one of the most exciting musical builds in Marc’s discography. “Ale Ale” is as close to a valedictory speech as you’ll ever hear Marc give, his “My Way.” “A Donde Vamos A Parar” is the breakup/crying on the dancefloor jam you’ve been waiting for, written by Marc’s namesake, the legendary Marco Antonio Solís. The album’s closer, “Amarte A La Antigua,” has the craziest held note into a key change you’ve ever heard, and will be a staple in our lives for years to come.

Thank you, Marc.  Every new album is a promise of more life, more music, and more memories, and “Muevense” is up there with your best. See the rest of you on the dance floor.

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