The path to Tranquility (spring)
47. Destiny is created by ourselves
Destiny is a topic that no one can avoid. Like an invisible river, it flows through the past, present, and future, guiding our choices. Many believe destiny is inevitable, as if a mysterious hand manipulates the course of our lives. However, true destiny is not predetermined but the product of our attitudes, thoughts, and actions. Regardless of our circumstances, we possess the unique power to change ourselves and influence our future—a foundation laid by nature before we were even born.
Destiny is a manifestation of the cycle of cause and effect. Its formation is closely linked to our thought patterns, emotional reactions, and behavioral habits, but it is not mysterious. While physical characteristics are relatively fixed, emotional fluctuations are more fluid, and these factors together shape our character. Character influences habits, and habits gradually solidify destiny—this is what we call "fate." However, if we can break free from habits and old patterns, we can create the possibility of "luck" within the framework of "fate." Simply put, character determines destiny, and consciousness is the pen and ink that rewrites it.
The concept of karma further reveals the causal logic of destiny: every action will reverberate at some point in the future. Those who are helpful often receive support in difficult times; those who habitually harm others may face isolation and setbacks in the future. History offers many lessons—the decline of the Roman Empire was the result of internal corruption and moral collapse. Clearly, individual choices not only determine one's own destiny but also profoundly influence the direction of society.
However, destiny is not a static script; it is a software program that constantly reinvents itself. While we cannot rewrite the past, we can redefine the trajectory of the future through the choices we make in the present. A young person who drops out of school due to poverty can rewrite their own destiny if they persist in learning new skills and actively seek out opportunities. This possibility of change empowers us, making destiny something we can create rather than passively accept.
Possessing a positive, open mindset and a mature consciousness allows us to face challenges with resilience and wisdom, and not give up easily. Conversely, dwelling on negative emotions can lead to passivity and fear, hindering our potential. When passivity and fear become habitual stubbornness, we often make choices that are detrimental to ourselves, leading to a difficult destiny.
Stubbornness and persistence are often confused, but they are fundamentally different. Stubbornness is an unconscious defense mechanism, manifesting as a refusal to change and blindly defending one's position; persistence, on the other hand, is a conscious choice based on reason and conviction. In other words, stubbornness means we must stand here, while persistence is to see how long we can stand here. The former builds psychological barriers and hinders growth; the latter builds a bridge to success.
For example, professionals who cling to established routines and refuse to learn new things will eventually be eliminated by the times. Entrepreneurs who stay true to their original aspirations and flexibly adjust their strategies will stand out amidst market shifts. Similarly, if students fail an exam but stubbornly believe their answers are correct and refuse to improve, their grades will continue to decline. However, those who persist in their efforts, are willing to reflect, adjust, and seek help, and their grades will gradually improve.
Stubbornness not only affects individual decision-making but also strains interpersonal relationships. In teamwork, stubbornness and rejection of others' opinions can lead to inefficiency and even conflict. Conversely, an open mindset allows us to benefit from others' experiences, fostering innovation and collaboration. Imagine a stubborn project manager who might miss opportunities by rejecting suggestions; a leader who sticks to their own goals but is willing to listen can lead a team through bottlenecks.
In reality, stubbornness itself is a habit that can be changed. The key to change lies in awakening awareness and taking action: proactively seeking feedback to break through self-limitations; regularly reflecting to examine whether our beliefs are still relevant in the current environment; and learning new knowledge to broaden our horizons. This is not only a behavioral adjustment but also a spiritual liberation. In this uncertain world, stubbornness is like a chain that traps us in the past; flexible thinking is the key to unlocking future possibilities.
As long as we are willing to let go of stubbornness and take responsibility for our own future, we can find a way out of any adversity. Belief itself is a force—it can drive action and change our destiny. Even in extreme cases, patients who stubbornly believe that cancer is incurable may give up treatment; however, if they persist in seeking new treatments and remain optimistic, they may be able to prolong their lives or even recover.
Destiny is like a mirror, ultimately reflecting our choices and attitudes. Every choice we make impacts our future. Stubbornness can rigidify our thinking and stagnate our destiny; rational persistence and an open mind allow us to create order amidst chaos and achieve our goals amidst challenges. When we can abandon stubbornness, see cause and effect with a clear mind, and respond flexibly to change, we can create a better future. Regardless of our past, as long as our awareness continues to grow, our destiny is always in our own hands.
46. Only true love can bring true fulfillment
48. Accept yourself and you will be grateful to your parents
