Man's Search for Meaning

"Live as if you are living already for the second time, and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now"-Viktor Frankl

I am currently reading "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and father of the concept of "logotherapy". (I highly recommend reading more on this topic if you're unfamiliar; it is a fascinating approach to therapy, focusing on helping its patients find meaning in their own lives.) It is one of the most important pieces of literature I've come across in a long time, as it has further inspired me to continue my pursuit toward that path I believe we are all on, which is to find some sense of meaning to this existence, this time we have on earth.

I could easily devote an entire blog post to this book and Frankl's work and experiences, but I want to focus instead on the quote, because I found it so stirring, so wise, and so relevant.

Live as if you are living already for the second time, and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now. Who among us hasn't looked back on our past, events that have transpired, choices made, and wished that we could guide our former selves away from the mistakes we were about to make? True, there is the argument that every decision is purposeful, because it leads us where we are destined to be. But if we had the wisdom, the determination to approach our decisions in this way when faced with them.....it would allow you to become your own teacher, to take a step back from your own person and look at your actions, thoughts, and feelings objectively. To recognize the possible ways in which you may be shortchanging yourself and damaging your own experience here, enabling yourself to fully actualize yourself and your experience! 

We all make mistakes. We limit ourselves with our doubts, our insecurities, our needless worries. But in taking this step back, we can perhaps recognize the error of our ways and reassert our own limitless possibilities. I may not always know what lies ahead, but no one knows me better than me. Who better, then, to fend off potential mistakes?? There are so many things in this world that are beyond our control. But our actions, perceptions, and reactions to the things we face-that is 100% within our grasp. Let's make the most of this world, of this experience!