Discovering Your Destiny

by: Lanisha Porter

A paradox is when two opposites are true usually at the same time. A paradox itself models inconsistency, and ultimately contradiction. The way that I view Destiny is completely paradoxical. I believe that we possess the power within ourselves to create our Destiny, but simultaneously, I also believe some things are already divinely organized and predetermined for us. Reflectively, if some things are already predetermined, it seems that our choices are not truly our own and we lack power over our own Destinies.

---

Growing up I believed I could defy gravity. I truly believed in my power so much that I could will myself to becoming anything I wanted. However, the more I lived the more I learned. And upon learning, the world offered me a realization—which was the fact that I cannot control everything. The only thing we can control in life is how we react to what life throws at us. That’s the extent of our power. Over yourself, you are the most powerful and domineering agent. But you cannot coerce the power of the universe to act in your favor.   

From experience, I’ve learned that Destiny is whatever thing that keeps tugging on your soul. Destiny is that very thing that somehow finds a way to be an integral part of your life without much effort from yourself. Since earlier on in my childhood writing was an integral part of who I was; I knew I would one day author a book. Whenever there was an opportunity to write this was a tug on my soul. It gave me a deep excitement and completely enthralled my imagination. In class I would continue to write past the time allotted to us for journaling and always got reprimanded. At home I had tons of diaries and journals; and I always won some award for my writing. Strangely enough, the universe aligned the odds in favor to meet my publisher who would help me get my first book published at the age of 19. How does a Saturday-night run to the corner store for some chicken result in me meeting the person who would help me fulfill my personal legend of becoming a professional writer?! Simply put—Destiny.

No matter what detours life may have you take, when something is destined for you, it will happen for you. We think of it as merely coincidences or luck, but in actuality it’s the work of Destiny. Destiny is always teaming up with the energy in the universe to manifest in a number of ways. That person you “randomly” met, that class you were so “unlucky” to get placed in, that job you were fired from so “untimely”, that person who “unexpectedly” hurt you, that friend who “suddenly” came into your life and changed the way you saw the world—they all are/were equally meaningful to your end. Each experience gave you pain that bore new wisdom; energy that transformed into happiness, and ultimately direction to find your way. Everything that happens, and everyone you meet is silently giving you directions to navigate toward your personal destiny.

Destiny doesn’t happen overnight; at 21 years old, I’m safely presuming it unfolds over a lifetime. Most importantly, Destiny surfaces when you channel the best and most authentic YOU you possibly can. Give yourself permission to dream, the space to wonder, and the time to harness your skills and talents. You have something meaningful to contribute to the world, and the evidence I have of this is the fact that God included you in His grand scheme production called Life.

All in all, appreciate the people and the things that are always secretly giving you direction on which way to go in life (This is what is predetermined). But know, you do have the power to respond to those directions (This is your own free choice). And in responding you, indeed, are creating your Destiny.