Delving Deeper into Fate VS Destiny

Do you believe that your life is justly predetermined?

Did it ever occur to you that the word “fate” and “destiny” are synonyms but if thoroughly extracted, it has a different and deeper meaning?

It all started eons ago. From the Greeks and Romans who believed in three weaving Goddesses called Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Also known as “The Fates” or “Moirai” they assign individual destinies to mortals on the day of their birth. To which when perceived, humans inevitably meddle with their fate and destiny either to live or succeed.

What is Fate?

The word comes from the Latin word “fatum” meaning “that which has been spoken.” It is often defined as an event that we cannot change. The development of occurrences beyond our control by a supernatural power. A notion that the Universe has already written therefore already an arranged future regardless of what we do — determined with no free will. It is mostly used as a negative implication. For example, it is your fate to live a miserable life or you are fated to be the sacrifice.

On the other hand, it is also defined as a path determined by our current and past incidents. Fate brings the opportunity in life and it is how we take responsibility towards the given options. If we ignore our life calling and leave it be to people or circumstances, then the possibility of a favorable fate can be faint. Hence, this is when destiny comes in.

What is Destiny?

It derives from the Latin word “destinare” entailing “ that which has been firmly established.” Destiny is determined by who we are. It is something we can shape. We are given actionable opportunities and the countless choices we make can alter our destiny. It is the amount of will power we do, the people we surround, and the courage in diving deeper to our inner selves that can change our future — developing our mental, emotional and spiritual intelligence. In life, we have the so-called “paths”, there is a wide range laid for us. An example, a path towards having a successful life needs hard work while a path towards an ordinary life doesn’t require much effort. The known phrase “destined for greatness” may only occur once we don’t let anyone dictate our life and be actively conscious of what we do.

Here’s a positive example of fate and destiny together:

I was born in poverty, my fate is foreseen that I may live as a poor individual all my life. Though I was given opportunities, I still went to school and studied hard by borrowing books from my classmates and the library. I worked hard to graduate and was able to land on a fine job. Meanwhile, I could have also chosen a different path, I didn’t finish my studies but I worked as a waiter instead, my love for cooking led to a discovery of my talent on the restaurant I worked for. Hence, making me the new cook and with all the determination, I became a known chef.

Here’s a negative example of fate and destiny together:

Death is inevitable. So, if I was fated to die tomorrow. The question is how would I die? I went out to buy groceries and my car got hit by a huge truck and led to my demise. While the other path, I forgot to take my medication and had a heart attack. Either way will drive to my passing. To die is an event that cannot be changed.

“Your life is your Karma. Meaning, your life is your making.” — Sadhguru

Sadhguru states that less than one percent of our mind is conscious and leaving ninety-nine percent unconscious. In a way, when we walk inside a room, there are seemingly twenty-five different smells but we can only focus on one. Being unconscious makes our lives accidental. Everything looks like divine intervention. The awareness of what surrounds us is important to determine our destiny and fate.

If we are to realize our capabilities then strive to become better and take responsibility, we can finally fulfill our destiny. Try to find your passion, surround yourself with inspiring people, don’t hesitate to ask for help, be authentic, and most importantly dare to live the course you want. We were born to pursue life and make the most out of it.

Do not chase happiness. Choose to be happy. Choose your destiny.