There’s an art to finding something when you’re not looking for it.
Serendipity is a rush that is the daily magic of discovery. It’s one of those small things that make life worth living, despite all the torment, pain, tragedy, and so it goes. Serendipity is defined as the ability to make fortunate discoveries accidentally.
Think about the library. Same thing goes with bookstores. We can shop online so easily, but there is something so special about finding that wonderful book inadvertently.
It’s all about time. There are so many inventions that save us time – whether it’s looking for information, shopping for clothes or checking what’s on television. Time is saved, but quality is lost. When you know what you want – or think you do – you lose the adventure of discovery, of finding something for yourself.
Technology undercuts serendipity. Technology also saves us time. And hell, I’m using it right now to write this blog post! I love life’s little ironies and to further touch on irony, it seems that we are losing the meaningful time we once used to indulge in the art and adventure of search and discovery.
Serendipity has enriched my life intellectually and emotionally. It’s even stepped in and surprised me (ha, irony!), giving my career new trajectories.
Serendipity has continued to play a part in my life. I’ve discovered and learned so much through traveling which is partly why I think travel is so important to our intellectual and emotional growth.
I’m looking forward to traveling in Italy by myself. I have an idea of what I want to do and see, but no real plan in place. I am excited to have a “plan” that will allow serendipity to intervene.
I will end with this. Allow yourself to be surprised. Be efficient, but also be childlike in nature – learn through discovery and wonder. It is serendipity, that ability to make fortunate discoveries accidentally, that opens so many doors – to our heart and to our minds.
Photo Credit: Ryan Greenleaf https://ryangreenleaf.com
Happy Serendipity Day!
Thanks for reading!
Carissa Abazia
@CarissaMortgage