On Seizing Opportunities

When to stop, to distinguish something from others — to put the time and effort to a specific entity or option? As the world is so full of opportunities, individuals, places and moments — how do you distinguish the ones to seize and to focus on? There is no magic answer or silver bullet — just taking a leap of faith once something seems interesting or promising, that is plausible and within reach. It is like painting a piece of art — when does the artist know to stop the process and decide that the piece is finished and perfect? Letting go of the concept of perfectness itself is a crucial initial step. Thinking that there is something that is truly ideal and right, that there is a concrete, black-and-white separation between correct and incorrect choices, is the only way to ever be happy with the decisions you make in your life. But understanding this is difficult — somehow it is a part of human condition to strive for the best option, the best opportunity and the best people. In truth, none of these exist — it all depends on what you make of life and the options that are available to you.

Especially when it comes to love, when do you know you have met the right person? As love is such an instrumental part of life and happiness, the commitment — going forward with a person when you know so little of them — can be almost frightening. But again, the same reasoning applies — there is never going to be the exact right match, the One — or looking from another perspective, the can be several in the world for each person. The definition of love — one of which could be unconditional acceptance — allows for any choice that feels right, and them committing to it to reach happiness.

And when it comes to choices — by not making a choice, a direction is chosen. It takes courage to sharply seize opportunities and commit to options, but it also empowers you. Avoid the obviously bad options, but focus your energy on the part that comes after making the choice. At the end, what is the worst thing that could happen from most decisions you make? Usually, nothing life-threatening or irreversible. And you will probably have learned a lot by the end of the process, if it turns out to be an incorrect one.

“To have a heart that spans the spectrum of emotions — that’s life in its entirety, isn’t it?” -G.A.

To have ups and downs, successes and let-downs, enhancement and disruption, might just be the only way to develop as a person. So don’t be afraid of making choices — just commit to the ones you have made, and have faith that you will find yourself in a good place.