lathriel | Metaphors and Monuments (Reply)

There is much I could say about this semester, and what it's taught/been teaching me about life and identity and perception- so much, in fact, that there is not a doubt in my mind that me coming to Oxford was an entirely destined event. There is a lot about me that has changed (for the better, I think) and a lot about me that I'm learning needs to be changed. And at the same time I am embracing my flaws, and my mistakes. I am embracing every moment, past and present, bad or good.

There is also a lot about travel and journeys that I could speak of, both in reality and metaphorically, for what is life but one long pilgrimage? And there is, of course, my (i hope by now) obvious love of/devotion to writing that makes me want to shout out loud how magical the world really is if you just pour yourself into creation. There is a very long list of reasons why this tattoo is important and meaningful to me, but, essentially, it all boils down to this:

Everything we've ever been or done has been leading up to exactly the person we are at this moment, which is the best person we can be. And each new moment brings with it an alteration of the person we just were.

Each new moment is a new beginning, rife with the possibility for profound change.

Each new moment holds the story of the last.

And in the present moment, we hold the pen that drafts the story of the next.

I am, and we all are, perpetually, a blank page, waiting to be filled. And we never will be. But that is what makes life worth living, and existence worth perpetuating. Even in death I believe the spirit creates and experiences. That is the meaning of eternity- to create, create, create...

The Universe is expanding by our will. And, though the concept of eternity is a little daunting, there is nothing to do but embrace it, and celebrate it, in each and every moment. There is no point to dwelling on what makes us hurt (though I know we all do). If all we want is to be happy, then we must set the intention, and act, despite "circumstances," despite "situations," despite anything. If things are that bad, then what does it hurt to just decide to be happy?

Ok, so I'm going off on a tangent now. But that's the jist of it. :)