Fate, Destiny, Karma

Ok...so I've been thinking a lot lately about fate...destiny....what puts us somewhere physically or emotionally in our journey on this planet...you know, that.  Sometimes I don't believe in this, sometimes...you know.  How do we end up in certain positions (good or bad), how do we end up with certain people in our lives (good or bad) and is this the universe setting us on the course we need to be or is it all random?  So, while I don't have any answers, I have some thoughts. 


I think people come into our lives for a reason.  Sometimes that may be because you need something from them, sometimes because they need something from you...but it seems like the universe is putting people together so we can help each other out; support each other, guide each other, hold each other's hands, cry and laugh together....maybe grow old together, maybe not.  While it doesn't always seem apparent at the time, eventually it becomes so.  If this is truly what's happening, then shouldn't we take the hint, shouldn't we make the most of that time when we have it, shouldn't we reach out to to hold onto the gifts we've been given? 

I feel like so often, I put my head down and spend too much time inside my thoughts and feelings and don't appreciate the people I have been given.  I do know this; sometimes I part ways with people on good terms or bad, but I can always look back at some point to recognize what that person brought to my life.  So, what do I do about it now?  How do I move forward in my life to be grateful for the people and the lessons I have known/had/experienced?  I want to be open to everything that comes my way and I fear that my past keeps me from allowing myself to be vulnerable.  Aren't we all like this in some way?  I  mean, who wants to put themselves out there all the time when they have been hurt so much....but we are all hurt, not just me....and the only way to fully be human is to feel and to feel must start with opening up and being vulnerable in this moment. 

Today, I am thankful for my gifts...the wonderful people I have crossed paths with...who have given and taken.  I hope that somewhere, someday, somehow...someone is grateful for me too.  This I know for sure...we are shaped and guided through experience by the people in our lives...how can we not believe that we are all connected? 

And oh yes, karma is real.....

PS....wishing for a winter's day in the middle of the summer heat.