BootsnAll Travel Community

I was talking with my sister-in-law last night about the natural human desire to always be in search of something better, something more. You know, the classic "the grass is greener on the other side" syndrome. And she told me about something a priest had told her once which was that we were made to have this desire becasue we aren't meant to find complete fulfillment here on earth because that can only be found in heaven. I thought it was an interesting way of looking at things but also kind of frustrating to think that I may never find exactly what it is i'm looking for (not even sure what i'm looking for right now, either). But do you think it's possible to find complete fulfillment in life? And does it just depend on what you believe in when it comes to religion, b/c don't some religions preach that you can find that fulfillment if you just follow their teachings?

Sue

'There's just this for consolation:
an hour here or there when our lives seem,
against all odds and expectations,
to burst open and give us everything
we've ever imagined.'
’The Hours’ by Michael Cunningham

It's been my experience that this quote is true. There have been moments when I've felt totally complete - so happy or in love or right, that 'fulfilled' is the best way to describe it. But it can't last. You can't hold onto it, just be amazed that you're feeling that way and work towards it so that it happens again. Or live your life in a way that keeps you open for it to happen again.

One way I read about thinking it is that "it's ok to never be fulfilled, since every time a wish is granted another begins" and "there is always more than enough to fulfill you" type of thing. [New Thought]

The priest was honestly relating to the query from his unique life perspective, which includes his chosen religious belief, so it is only natural that he would state the company line.

Just as... it is my belief, that all things are possible in this lifetime, and it would be a damn shame to wait until you got to the other side to realize, you could have done a hell of a lot more about it, in the here and now!

These are simple truths, that I have found to be all empowering, excellent foder for a young seeker to put to the test in the here and now.

Start a journal and begin by answering: What do these mean:

Seek...and ye shall find!

Ask...and it shall be answered!

Knock...and the door will be opened!

Don't let your limited beliefs, get in the way of the unlimited truth, [ie. all that is truly possible, without limited thought or belief!]

Remember...as you think it...it is so!

Borderland,
Good quote and great advice. Thanks

Oldhippy,
I really should keep a journal. It's never really been my thing. I guess I've always had trouble looking within myself to try to find answers but maybe that's exactly what i need to be doing.

Sue

Hey Sue,

I would definitely agree w/ Oldhippy on the journal thing. It's not only a good way to work through your thoughts, but I find it to be very relaxing as well. Not to mention the fact that it's enjoyable (sometimes NOT so enjoyable!!) to read what you wrote 5 or 10 years past! It's also a good way to 'keep track' of your own personal growth.

I think looking within yourself for the answers is a *supreme* way to figure things out and figure out what's working and what's not working. You just have to be careful not to get too caught up in the analysis - you have to keep moving, in other words!

As far as finding complete fulfillment in life, I agree w/ Borderland. Life is meant to be journey, and you just have to keep moving. You'll never stay on a complete high once you reach it, just as you'll never stay in an utter state of despair. It's all about recognizing where you're at, recognizing when you've been truly at peace and happy, and continuously striving to reach that state again, knowing that it's *absolutely* possible. Movement is the key, and I'd extend that to always being in tune w/ yourself and knowing what you want and believing that you deserve that happiness.