Reflecting on Life on Sandy Land
I used to reside on sandy soil until it was washed away by the waves
Have you ever thought about whether you are doing what you truly want to do?
See, when I was young, I struggled to figure out my passions. Coming from a different place, I had big dreams, like becoming an airplane pilot, a tour guide, and a famous politician. I never envisioned becoming a philosopher, a published writer, or a thought-provoker. I never considered these paths before. But are they truly what I love to do, or am I simply influenced by societal expectations?
I have realized that pursuing our passions requires a high level of intelligence, as fear of failure and societal norms can often hold us back. Only when we let go of the fear of not being able to make a living or fit in with society can we truly discover what is most authentic to us. Many of us are too consumed with worries about survival and status to pursue what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.
Thoughts pierce our hearts; will we ever make a difference and be acknowledged? Will our legacy endure when everything is said and done? These thoughts can be overwhelming, but by living in a perpetual state of seeking external validation, we lose touch with our true selves and forsake love. Instead, we conform to societal expectations, leading to inner conflict and distracting ambitions.
I think the real key to finding true fulfillment in our pursuits is to wholeheartedly engage in what we love without seeking external validation. Whether it's writing, painting, or simply planting trees, doing it out of love rather than a desire for recognition allows us to transcend competition and ego.
You see, many of us chase power and fame, believing they will bring us joy and fulfillment, but true happiness comes from embracing our passions without expectation of reward. We believe that we can create a utopian society through power, but history shows that power only leads to the spread of false ideologies, destruction, and misuse of authority. The constant power struggles result in ongoing conflict.
If we truly want to improve the world, we must first identify our true passions and desires, not what society tells us to value. Secondly, we must examine our desire for power and consider its implications. By faithfully following this without objection, we move closer to our purpose. Stagnation near the familiar can hinder our growth much like a seed struggling to flourish under a towering tree.
Trees themselves go to great lengths to scatter their seeds far and wide, ensuring their offspring have a chance to thrive in sunlight. Just as trees understand the importance of venturing beyond their shadow, so too must we be willing to take risks and explore new horizons in order to reach our full potential.
Trusting your intuition and inner voice is crucial when making important decisions. It's essential to take the time to tune in to your intuition and practice self-awareness. This may involve quieting your mind through meditation or reflection, journaling, or simply taking a moment to pause and listen to what your inner voice is telling you.
By honoring your intuition and following your inner voice; you can cultivate a greater sense of self-trust and confidence in your decision-making abilities. Allow yourself the space to listen to your intuition and let it be your guiding light toward greater fulfillment and happiness in your life. Trust in yourself, trust in your intuition, and trust in the path that lies ahead.
If you have been like me, and you sense any dissatisfaction or lack of fulfillment in your current situation, it's worth considering other possibilities. While change can be scary, it can also bring about personal growth, new adventures, and happiness. This newfound perspective allowed me to let go of the idea that I needed to be perfect in order to be happy.
I began to appreciate and love myself for who I truly was, flaws and all. I stopped seeking validation and approval from others, knowing that my worth came from within. I also learned to be more compassionate and understanding towards others, knowing that we are all on our own journey of self-discovery and growth. I realized that we are all imperfect beings and that it is our imperfections that make us unique and beautiful.
Through this acceptance and self-love, I was able to let go of the need to constantly compare myself to others. I began to focus on my own path and goals, knowing that my journey was unique and special in its own way. Embracing my muddy parts allowed me to tap into my true potential and live a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am no longer afraid of change, as I know that it is through embracing all parts of myself that I can truly transform and evolve.
I am grateful for this realization and for the growth that has come from it. I am no longer running from my other self. But instead, embracing and celebrating the person that I am becoming. I am finally at peace with myself, knowing that true change comes from within.
Just as waves on the ocean are only water; just as golden ornaments are only gold, so all the various forms in the universe are only your Self. When you know this and make it a part of your understanding, you will begin to revel in that joy that had been missing in your life before.
Heraclitus argued that one could not bathe in the same river twice because new waters were ever flowing in. Hume argued that identity over time was a fiction we substitute for a collection of related objects. Such views can be seen as based on a misunderstanding of Leibniz’s Law: if a thing changes, something is true of it at a later time that is not true of it at the earlier, so it is not the same.
Change can be positive or negative, depending on how it is perceived and experienced by individuals. It can be a source of growth, improvement, and progress, as it allows for adaptation to new circumstances and challenges. However, change can also be challenging, uncomfortable, or disruptive, as it requires adjusting to unfamiliar situations and letting go of the familiar.
In life, change is inevitable and necessary for personal development and societal advancement. Resisting change can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth and innovation. Embracing change, on the other hand, can lead to new possibilities, experiences, and discoveries. It is important to approach change with an open mind, curiosity, and resilience, as it is an integral part of the human experience.
In conclusion, change is a natural and constant phenomenon that shapes our lives and the world around us. It is essential for progress, adaptation, and evolution. By accepting and embracing change, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with grace and courage, and create a future that is dynamic, vibrant, and full of potential.
When my time comes, I want to express my gratitude for the chance I had to have an impact, and I desire that I have contributed to making the world a better place. I hold dear the memories formed with loved ones and the moments of happiness and contentment I encountered on my journey. Upon looking back on my life, I find solace in the knowledge that I live with intent and meaning.
I pray that future generations will build upon the groundwork I have set and carry on spreading love, kindness, and positivity worldwide. May my deeds and words act as a beacon for others to emulate, and may my memory continue to illuminate the spirits of those who crossed paths with me. [I will provide a more in-depth explanation as I delve into how we can uplift others through our personal development].
At the end of the day, what truly counts is our impact on others and the world. I am thankful for the chances I've had and the blessings I've been given, and I will keep pushing to become the best I can be until the end. Thank you, God, for the precious gift of life and the power to make a difference.



Yesterday I read another piece about bathing in the same river twice by Optiskeptic. How interesting!
This is a good reminder, Marcus, that the key is listening to your intuition, making a positive impact, and leaving the world better.