“Amor Fati” translates to loving one’s fate. Nietzsche coined this phrase and it has a deep resonance with me as I grow older. When I was younger, this would not have resonated with me, but as I age, this phrase speaks directly and positively to me.

My life is simplified and I like it! Gone are the “have to’s” and the “shoulda woulda couldas.”

In their place is a daily realization that my limits are for my own good. It is healthy for everyone to have limits; otherwise vampires drain us. They don’t mean to; it is just that they are sound asleep and still living by society’s rules.

This afternoon we will go to the grocery, unless it is pouring down raining. I enjoy and look forward to this, since I have quit driving.

I enjoy sitting in the silence on and off throughout the day. I also enjoy TV.

I don’t read as much as I used to, for some reason. The Book of Life is always vital, however.

It was Dr. Bernie Siegel that advised me to honor my limits and so I do. It means living a simple life and a strong inclination to say no to anything that would cause me pain or stress. Some things, of course, are unavoidable, but others can simply be dropped.

Vernon Howard taught his students hard work and simplicity. I fail the grade on hard work these days, but in doing so, I am honoring my limits!

The teachings of the masters guide me and they all point to becoming a conscious human being. Not a church-goer but one that teaches himself by following his inclination towards the One.

Amor fati. Say it with me!

Vicki Woodyard