Planning Serendipity

What does it mean for something to happen “by chance?” Is it by a stroke of luck? Is it fate or destiny? Does it just mean that it was meant to be? Or was it serendipitous?

I feel that serendipity is one of those words that when used in context, it makes perfect sense, but when trying to define or explain it becomes a pain. When I think of serendipity, I often think of chocolate (not sure why), or of the movie (which I’ve never seen in full length). But to give it an actual definition? I would have to describe it as a “happy accident.”

When destiny has a sense of humor, it’s called Serendipity.

Tagline variation from the movie, Serendipity.

However, the concept of serendipity can be more complicated. According to Google, it is: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Dictionary.com on the other hand offers two different descriptions, including: an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident, or good fortune, luck.

On my way to find some serendipitous moments in Eze, France!

Over the past two years, I would argue that I have had my fair share of serendipitous moments- or happy accidents. I’ve been lucky in terms of finding jobs and internships that fit my interests. Typically finding out about them from unexpected people, and getting a job offer within a week of applying.

Other serendipitous moments could be finding good friends just by chance. It’s funny how many times I’ve done something that would be considered random, routine or mundane and it leads me to finding the right people in my life. Who would have known I met one of my best friends while brushing my teeth? It has also been serendipitous finding travel opportunities that are affordable, and leads me to some amazing and interesting people.

Sunset in Positano, Italy from January 2018 – one of the places I traveled to and made new friends at! This trip I consider very serendipitous.

In some ways, serendipity refers to something that happens by chance. But I like to believe that it’s possible to search for serendipitous moments too, or maybe even chase them. That’s why of all the definitions of serendipity, I like the one from dictionary.com the most; that they are desirable discoveries, even if by accident.

To keep making and chasing down these discoveries, I make my plans, goals, lists and always push myself to do more. And while not all of it may go as I expect, hope or believe, they lead me to some wonderful serendipitous moments. Not too long ago I was in a position where I had this unusual feeling that I was meant to talk to someone, and just by starting a random conversation I gained a new friend.

So I plan to keep chasing serendipity, and discovering every happy moment possible. Who knows where it could lead me.

Life through a new lens

I recently returned from a much needed vacation. And it feels as if over the past several months I was living with my eyes closed. Life is vibrant. There is so much opportunity everywhere and there are a thousand ways to experience all of the wonders in the world.

View of the Mediterranean Sea from the exotic garden in Eze Village, France.

Going on this trip made me realize how although routine can be good, it can also be detrimental – especially if it does not incorporate what you are passionate about. By taking a break from my routine, I discovered that I had been blind to the fact that I was unhappy, forcing myself to go through the motions rather than taking steps to change my situation. I was stagnate.

Part of this stemmed from career choice. Do not get me wrong, I am grateful for my job. But I also recognize the fact that it does not make me feel accomplished in life. I rarely do activities during the work week, so many days begin to blur together. There is a pattern. Everyday I wake up, go to work, go home, cook dinner, and then simply repeat (not even mentioning how the commute can be some days).

At the Jardin du Luxembourg, enjoying some raspberry ice cream.

While for many people this is a routine they enjoy and appreciate, I’ve come to realize that for myself, the content of my routine, primarily my job, is unfulfilling many days. I would need to make changes in this routine to feel more purposeful on a daily basis. Incorporating exercise, relocating to another apartment, and finding a new hobby or extracurricular are just some of the options I have been considering for the short term. Of these three, I think changing the location of where I live would have the biggest impact on how I currently spend my time.

I’ve also been contemplating the more major elements of my life I want to change, such as entering a new career or moving to a new place, and the steps I would need to take. I know what my passions are – I love writing, creative pursuits, travelling, logic puzzles and problem solving. However, my strongest desire is to feel that I have a purpose, and that I am doing something that helps people.

Flowers at the Nice market, held in Old Town (Vielle Ville).

Of course, none of these changes would guarantee that I would be a happier person or feel more purposeful in life. A major part of “finding” happiness is health, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual… all of it. In some ways, my trip was a booster shot – it revitalized me, helping me to find what makes me happy again and giving me time to reflect on how I feel about life.

So, although I loved my trip and would be willing to go back in a heart beat, I know that these vacations are not a long term solution, but a part of the process to making long term change. And having reflected on my current situation, the next step for me is to keep moving forward, no matter how much time it may take, through actionable steps as well as consistent reflection and appreciation for life.