Uncontrolled of the uncontrollable: Do we really have any control?
How often have we, as individuals, maneuvered, jockeyed, acted, thought or began something with the idea that we could control its outcome? Is it not the most annoying and disappointing of all possibilities when something does not turn out the way we want it to be. Who among us has not been called a 'control freak' as if we want something this way or no way. The conclusion, we reach, sometimes, is that we have lost control.
This conclusion begs the question, and assumes that control was something that we had to begin with. But my question this early morning, is whether we have really have any control at all? Surely, we have free will, the ability to take certain actions, resulting in certain reactions, but can we or do we have any true control or responsibility as to how anything turns out ultimately?
My own personal opinion is that we are powerless over just about everything. This does not mean that as people we lay down and take things, but that we can only act in a certain way, and the results are something that have little to do with us. Of course, coming to these conclusions about how life words, does require some faith, but that is an entirely different subject and issue. one which I will explore and think about in another post.
Do you think we have control and if so to what extent?
Thank you for your minds.
This conclusion begs the question, and assumes that control was something that we had to begin with. But my question this early morning, is whether we have really have any control at all? Surely, we have free will, the ability to take certain actions, resulting in certain reactions, but can we or do we have any true control or responsibility as to how anything turns out ultimately?
My own personal opinion is that we are powerless over just about everything. This does not mean that as people we lay down and take things, but that we can only act in a certain way, and the results are something that have little to do with us. Of course, coming to these conclusions about how life words, does require some faith, but that is an entirely different subject and issue. one which I will explore and think about in another post.
Do you think we have control and if so to what extent?
Thank you for your minds.
11 Comments:
When I found out that I had bladder cancer on Christmas Eve, 1994, I was rushed to the Emergency Room (it filled 75% of my bladder) and began a two year fight for my life. If I thought for one minute that life was OUT of my control, I'd be dead right now. I also don't believe "there's a reason for everything," or my self-esteem would have become nonexistent during childhood and various fights with cancer and an abusive husband. I don't think life is a test, I think it's a goal we achieve. I don't think we are dealt problems as though God were a card dealer. I think God is a very chaotic and pure creativity and we, the most creative of creatures, must learn how to deal with and triumph over chaos.
I should say, and we must learn how to LOVE chaos. That is the hard part.
I am learning each day that the only thing I can really control are my responses to what happens around me. In doing so, I can influence outcomes...but control is something that I remind myself is quite elusive. And quite frankly, I don't know that I want the responsibility of "taking control." I do what I can and then try to enjoy the ride.
I think we only have control over our own actions/reactions/decisions and the results and outcomes we don't have control over.
It is frustrating when life throws some really unexpected stuff our way. We're forced to deal with it. I think health problems are the most difficult to deal with. When they hit, they cannot be avoided or willed away.
I agree with you that we should take charge of our lives and make the best decisions we can to try and have the best outcomes we can. The unpredictable stuff we will just have to deal with as best we can.
L said:
"I don't think we are dealt problems as though God were a card dealer. I think God is a very chaotic and pure creativity and we, the most creative of creatures, must learn how to deal with and triumph over chaos."
Beautifully put. I've believed the same thing for a long time but never knew how to articulate it.
p.s. My blog is back up and running with a new pic and post added this afternoon. Please visit when you can! :-)
yellingfireinancrowdedtheater
I think we have got control to everything we start, but no control to how it ends. To many variables can and usually happen to derail the original plan.
I started to go to the store and only the store, but bump in to X and then B comes over, taking me someplace other than the store.
I had it and lost it.
Have a nice day : )
we do have control over a lot of things in our lives. we have to force ourselves some times to do certain things. we can take one path or another. it is our choice.
when raising children, and i had four, some times we have a lot less control than what we think we have.
Barb -- Will probably be out there a few more times over the summer. We will have to hook up! Looking forward to it!
Matzah Nacho!
Beautifully put words. And I could not agree with you more in your sentiments and conclusions.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Excellent post thought!
I used to be a control freak in the most negative sense of the word. I was so busy trying to control everything and everyone in my life that I never took the time to realize it. It's a tough habit to break, but I've come a long, long way. Now, I just sit back and enjoy the ride. Oh I still try hard to manage my own self every minute of the day, but even that dishes out quite a few surprises.
In retrospect, I wasn't actually controlling the people around me, just making harsh judgement calls as to how I was going to react to them. It used up so much energy that if I didn't try to control my controlling (HAH!) I would have ended up curled in a ball somewhere - lost forever.
Weary Hag,
Excellent points and very beautifully put! It is amazing how much more fun life can be if we just sit back and let it happen.
I used to be the queen of micromanagement, full time and low paying job. Now that I have 'grown up' I just sit back, and accept life and life's terms.
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