Recently I had a conversation that sparked my thinking about how to explain where I have gone “spiritually”. I use that word, not because I believe in the common religious notion that we are eternal spirits that supernaturally inhabit natural bodies, but simply to describe my ideas of what life is about. Then, I heard this statement. It comes as close as to congealing my thoughts as any I have encountered in recent days.
When I nominate myself and begin to make my meaning, I can’t then quote Scripture, the law, an opinion poll, expert evidence, tradition, or anything else as the reason for my life decisions. What I must say is, “I’ve thought it over and decided.” If you badger me about why I have made the decision – have made – whether to write a certain sort of novel, go out on strike, marry someone of a different race, or drop everything and mount a protest – I can only repeat myself: “I’ve thought it over and decided.” I have actually done more than merely thought it over – that is too simple a way of saying how meaning gets made – but it is a decent shorthand answer. I am happy to add, “It might be a mistake; who knows.” I am happy to listen to the opinions of others (if I am in that sort of mood). But I know that the decision is mine to make. I have nominated myself, elected myself, and that’s where the buck stops: with me.
Eric Maisel, The Atheist’s Way
Yes, that is what I have done. I made the decision to rescue my life and take it back to live as my own.
Awesome!
Glad to see you’re back blogging again . . . good post . . . hope all is well.