The many ideas of "living life" are
most indistinctly defined conundrums that a human being can ponder. Philosophy has its own definitions of life and living. Of course, so do religions, corporations, politicians, and every diverse group on planet. Some of looser definitions I hear from many people include:- Life is ruled by destiny. - Life is ruled by fate. - We all live by a Universal Plan. - Only God knows.
In general, many people believe that their lives are already set and that they should accept paths and destinations placed before them. But, few that believe that life is what you make of it are ones that understand that there is no absolute definition for life and living.
--- Belief Systems ---
In every case, you identify paths in your life based on your own personal "belief system." This system is who you are and what makes you do things you do. It is your conscience, your ego, your little devil ... you! Everything you do in life is based on at least one of your core beliefs. But, when you do step outside of that lifelong foundation, you may feel frightened, uncomfortable, and generally lost.
I do believe in a God, a greater existence above us all, but life has taught me that there are no controlling entities that have absolute plans laid out for each of us. I would have to say that one's direction is chosen by none, and by all. Our destinies are not chosen at birth, but are poured into us as we grow and every action we take affects others as much as actions of others affect us.
We choose our destination in life based on our beliefs. We feel as though our destinations are predetermined because we know what we "must" do to satisfy those beliefs. When we grow to reach boundaries of that belief system, we become dissatisfied because we can see where we want to go, but can't get there with our current beliefs. It is at that time that we must decide to either take leap into unknown, or stay where we are because it is safe and known.
--- Destiny vs. Destination ---
Destiny, by definition, is idea of "what may happen in future." For most, it is acceptance that we have a predetermined destiny and we should not fight path on which we are placed. Destination, by definition, is act of "aiming for a certain position; a place." For some, a destination is ultimate place that we want to be at end of a given journey---a chosen place at end of a path.
The idea of allowing destiny to choose your direction in life is easiest way to live. It guarantees that you will encounter little resistance and be able to live a constant life from beginning to end. You merely experience day-to-day problems of living an existence.
However, destiny is only idea of what "may" happen in future. It is not a set future, but one that you choose to accept as an absolute. Accepting destiny usually occurs when one either does not know how to choose a destination in their life or when one is so overwhelmed by their life that they don't have time, or are afraid, to choose.
To move forward, one must pick a destination, and work to get there. This is not an easy task as our own beliefs, disbeliefs, overwhelming situations, and lack of understanding cloud us all. It is not abandonment of a belief system, it is enhancement of our existing system through growth and knowledge that brings about change. We must first clear ourselves and understand our blocks and our goals so that we can view a better picture of what we can do for ourselves.
--- Choosing a Destination ---
To choose a destination, you must know what you want. Many times, people select their paths based on their current state and beliefs in their lives. This tends to push them right back into same, or similar, situations that they are in at time they decide to make a change. This usually occurs out of fear of looking outside of their "comfort zones" and environment.
Comfort zones are unusual places in which to exist. Such zones can create apathy and lethargy and keep one from moving beyond current situations. The lack of movement is because person has become comfortable with a particular situation in their life and is able to, somewhat, control situation. Even if situation is torturous and stressful, it is familiar, and if person feels control or comfort, they will resist change and stay there.
