Life, the Universe, and Everything...

With no disrespect to the late, great Douglas Adams and his "Hitchhiker's Guide" series of novels, the title of the third installment of his series fits my life perfectly. At least my life during the past few months.

Those who have been in regular contact with me know that I have suffered a series of disappointments in various aspects of my life in the past few months. Of course, there have been successes as well, such as placing first in our regional mediation competition. But, whether in personal, professional, or academic aspects of my life, I've hit speed bumps regularly as of late.

What makes this different than usual is that each of these "disappointments" have been beyond my control. In each situation/instance, I have placed my best foot forward and truly been at my best. Without fail, I've done all I could have done and have given all that could have been expected of me (and more). But, in each case, the "universe" has seen to it that the powers out of my hands go against me.

Now this is not meant as a whiny post for sympathy (I'll kick you if you give me sympathy. Albeit a loving kick). Rather, it's just a look at how outside factors and "powers" can knock you off-course even when you're at the top of your game. Of course, this stings with great pain, but at the same time it helps to humble me. It shows that even though I may do all that I can in a given situation, ultimately I am not in final control.

The universe as a whole can alter our hopes, desires, and life course in an instant. By universe I mean the combination of the world all around along with a "Greater Power" (since I believe without hesitation in God, it would be God for me). Whether in love, friendship, academia, competitions, etc., it is ultimately the "extenuating circumstances" that rule the day.

I don't have a solution, or words of wisdom, to address this. All I can really say is that it is truly humbling when time and time again you do everything right and put it out to the universe, but the universe chooses not to give you what you feel is right. It's all about life, the universe, and everything...