Pierre du Plessis

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Don't bear it, love it.

I've been speaking, writing, and thinking quite a bit about the way are during this lockdown. I even went down the Facebook rabbit hole, against my better judgement, and voiced my opinion there.

Firstly, the lockdown is the way that it is, there is little we can do to change that. What we can do to change it we should of course do, but with dignity, respect to our leaders and above all a love for humanity over comfort.

Secondly, and most importantly, we can still choose how we are within this situation. Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist that survived Auschwitz. wrote 'Man doesn't simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become the next moment. By the same token, every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.'

This quote has served me well, this way of being in the world. It reminds me that I can choose the way that I exist, in any situation, and not merely react like a dog that's been kicked. This ability is what brings meaning to life.

I choose, repeatedly choose, to love fate. To not only bear what is happening, but love it. It takes time and practice, for sure, but loving whatever happens, embracing it and not avoiding or fighting it, transforms it into a driving force for your growth.

Get skin in the game, amor fati.

Pierre