NOVEMBER 6, 2020
Just for some context, it is October 29, 2020 (“Back to the Future”) as I write next week’s Elevator Guy remarks to come out on November 6th. It is an election year and a year that has challenged our country, state, communities, and the world. All sides are out trying to influence last minute voters to “Join our Team.” (Try being on God’s team) One of the issues is an “alleged” man-made virus that has negatively impacted our world with panic, chaos, illness, the loss of life and crashing economies. This is NOT a political remark today. I am merely pointing out what people do to other people and it is appalling. Even among families and friends. As a result of the spread of this virus, families and organizations have been torn apart, mental illnesses have been ignored, and people are literally dying. (Many from Covid) Life Sucks! Yes, it may seem that way at times as many of us walk around expecting life to give us everything WE want. This is not only ridiculous, but will make us totally frustrated all of the time. Whatever happened to a little HOPE once in a while? To let our happiness and self-worth hinge on what we cannot control is futile.
In my recent studies of the stoics, many of them embraced the concept of “Amor Fati.” A Latin phrase that may be translated as “love of fate or love of one’s fate.” It is used to describe an attitude in which one sees everything that happens in one’s life, including suffering and loss, as good or, at the very least, necessary. The stoics told us, not only to accept everything that life brings you, good luck or bad, but to love it and embrace it. Every single day of your life. Yes, even the truly horrible, sinful, unlawful, regrettable, “don’t ever want to think about it” moments.” Epictetus said, “Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish everything happens as it actually will. (“Thy will be done”) Then your life will be serene.” We all know people with this approach where they take life as it comes; Good and Bad. They have a choice to live this way or be; frustrated, hateful, and bitter the rest of their earthly lives. Pretty sad but this is exactly where many of us are today. I hope you choose to embrace Amor Fati.
Now back to our timeline. Hopefully by now, we will have an outcome of this year’s election and half the population is elated and half is unhappy or bitter. “Amor Fati to you!” Win or lose, what will your attitude be in moving forward with your life? Will you live in denial for four more years or will you embrace and accept the outcome with humility, dignity, and honor, continuing to live a life serving others rather than how YOU feel about things? (That means you need to get out of yourself or get your head out of a certain place.) I pray for the truth to be revealed, the beauty of our country to shine through, the goodness of people to be kind to one another, and a unity that we can all come together in a common theme of loving and living in a God centered Country. (Thanks Aristotle) One filled with peace, joy, personal responsibility, and love of our faith, families and our work.
“Life is Difficult” (“The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck) But life is still good. So, why do we become so frustrated when we don’t get what we want? We take pleasures for granted and are frustrated by difficulties. Get out and work on yourself first before going and telling everyone how they should live their lives. (Self-Awareness) If you happen to fall, God will always send someone to help you. You have to be open to seeing them and reaching out to them as they are normally right in front of you. You just need to ask. (Stop, Look, and Listen)
Try working on living a life of Amor Fati as it will help you balance the peaks and valleys of your life. AND, remember, no matter which political party won this election this year, God is in charge! So, look to him for your guidance. It’s not about you anyway. Its ALWAYS about him.
May God Bless America!
Elevator Guy