The One.

Is the concept of The One simply a figment of our imagination or is there, in fact, just one person for everyone? Or, alternatively and from a less romanticized standpoint, are there actually multiple people out there that could potentially be a decent fit?

It’s fun to believe in the “one perfect person for everyone” concept. It’s comforting to believe that fate will ultimately lead you to The One, that one person you are meant to be with. But let’s be honest, it’s also terrifying. And it’s exhausting…the waiting, the wondering. And what if, heaven forbid, fate makes a mistake? What if fate veers off course? Is your destiny suddenly doomed? Are you then cursed to live all of life alone without The One, without your one perfect match? It certainly must happen sometimes. Just look around. The sad fact of the matter is that everyone doesn’t end up paired up in the end…

And then there’s the other possibility…the possibility that there are many people out there who could be a good match, the possibility that there are many people out there who could make you happy, the possibility that there are many people out there who could be The One. Unfortunately, that mindset is not without flaws itself. It is still very much a waiting game. And it presents a whole new set of challenges. What if, for example, you meet someone, a potential The One, if you will, and then later down the road you meet another The One? What happens then? It is sure to get messy. In fact, heartbreak almost seems inevitable in this scenario. And - worst case yet - what if, by some cruel and twisted game of fate, you are not The One for your The One?

A fortunate accident.

I’ve always believed in serendipity – the concept of accidentally discovering something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.

Okay, so maybe that isn’t completely true. I have always wanted to believe in serendipity. But in reality, I’ve always been more of a everything-happens-for-a-reason kind of girl. I think it provides me with a sense of comfort knowing – or at least believing – that everything happens for an ultimate purpose.

Especially now, when I’m in the midst of trying to untangle a seemingly never-ending string of questions. The truth is, I really don’t know what comes next. And that’s a terrifying thought. So believing in fate and destiny and a predetermined ending is comforting. It makes me feel as if the current chaos in my life is just a stepping stone to the next thing even if I am completely clueless as to what that next thing is.

But I wonder, is it possible to believe in fate and serendipity? I’d certainly like to think so. It’s nice to have the comfort of fate, but it’s also nice to be open to pleasant surprises.

I definitely believe in the possibility of serendipity. I believe in the possibility of accidentally discovering something wonderful when I least expect it. After all, I love possibility.

But ultimately, I believe in fatum.

Life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences. But rather, its a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan.

Yes, I believe in destiny. And I believe that destiny – fatum – can sometimes be complemented by what may appear to be a happy accident, but in reality, is simply another part of universe’s ultimate plan.