I’m always fascinated with the title of Kiran Desai’s book, The Inheritance of Loss.
Because that’s what we all inherit, loss. There is always something leaving us everyday. Can be a suddenly missing pen, or a scratched car, or a new thin line on our face, or a demise of a relationship.
Do I adopt nihilism now? On the very contrary. I think by the time we realize that eventually we will loose whatever we deem as precious, that consciousness will take you to another step of personal strength. First, we will not take for granted everything that we possess now, second, when they are eventually gone, you will be standing gracefully and bid elegant adieu, and third, you will waste no time and move on.
Aren’t we allowed to be sad? Yes we are allowed. Yet there are different ways to mourn. Will it be brief and constructive and serves as a reflective moment, or will it be prolonged and destructive and full of self pity?
Aren’t we allowed to be overjoyed over good things that coming our way? Of course we should be happy. Yet be happy in conscience. Rejoice for a moment, give thanks, then live life as usual.
So what to do after knowing this always definite inheritance of loss? Don’t grab too tight. Rule over your material possession, don’t be ruled by them. Rule over your feeling to people around you, don’t hang your happiness on their shoulders, they are not strong enough. When they stay, treasure them; when they leave, let go.
Only one thing you cannot afford to loose. Don’t loose yourself.
Never give 100% of your heart. Give half, give three quarter, but not everything.
Remember, the center of your universe is you.
Because that’s what we all inherit, loss. There is always something leaving us everyday. Can be a suddenly missing pen, or a scratched car, or a new thin line on our face, or a demise of a relationship.
Do I adopt nihilism now? On the very contrary. I think by the time we realize that eventually we will loose whatever we deem as precious, that consciousness will take you to another step of personal strength. First, we will not take for granted everything that we possess now, second, when they are eventually gone, you will be standing gracefully and bid elegant adieu, and third, you will waste no time and move on.
Aren’t we allowed to be sad? Yes we are allowed. Yet there are different ways to mourn. Will it be brief and constructive and serves as a reflective moment, or will it be prolonged and destructive and full of self pity?
Aren’t we allowed to be overjoyed over good things that coming our way? Of course we should be happy. Yet be happy in conscience. Rejoice for a moment, give thanks, then live life as usual.
So what to do after knowing this always definite inheritance of loss? Don’t grab too tight. Rule over your material possession, don’t be ruled by them. Rule over your feeling to people around you, don’t hang your happiness on their shoulders, they are not strong enough. When they stay, treasure them; when they leave, let go.
Only one thing you cannot afford to loose. Don’t loose yourself.
Never give 100% of your heart. Give half, give three quarter, but not everything.
Remember, the center of your universe is you.
