Your life has no pre-determined cosmic meaning and everything does NOT happen for a reason

We often hear the phrase "everything happens for a reason" when something unexpected or unpleasant occurs in our lives. This phrase implies that there is a grand plan or purpose to our lives, but what if this idea is flawed? In this blog, we'll explore the fallacy of the belief that everything happens for a reason and offer an alternative approach to finding happiness - rooted in truth, authenticity, and being real with yourself.

Recent studies show that more and more people are questioning the traditional idea of divine purpose. The percentage of people who don't identify with any religion has increased from 16% in 2007 to over 30% in 2023. This shift in perspective means that people are looking for new ways to find meaning in their lives.

I have five important points to make on this. So, lets start.

FIRST: You are not special

Firstly, you are not special - so sorry to tell you. The belief that everything happens for a reason assumes that life is predictable and that events are predetermined. However, life is unpredictable, and things happen randomly and without any discernible reason. Accepting this reality can be challenging, but it can also be liberating. Instead of searching for a divine purpose, we can focus on creating our own purpose. Cue Friedrich Nietzsche.

Nietzsche's idea of nihilism is complex and can be interpreted in different ways, but one common interpretation is that he saw it as a necessary stage in the process of personal growth and transformation. Nietzsche believed that traditional values and beliefs were no longer valid, and that this realization could lead individuals to a state of nihilism, or the feeling that life is meaningless and without purpose.

However, Nietzsche also believed that nihilism was not an endpoint but rather a starting point for creating new values and meanings in life. He believed that the absence of traditional values and beliefs could create the conditions for the emergence of a new, more authentic way of living. This process, which he called the "revaluation of all values," involves rejecting inherited values and creating new ones based on individual experience and experimentation.

In this sense, Nietzsche's idea of nihilism can be seen as positive, because it opens up the possibility for individuals to create their own meaning and purpose in life. Instead of relying on external authorities or beliefs, individuals are encouraged to engage in a process of self-discovery and self-creation, which can lead to greater authenticity and fulfillment.

Moreover, Nietzsche's philosophy encourages individuals to embrace the challenges and difficulties of life, rather than seeking to escape or avoid them. He believed that suffering was an essential part of the human experience and that it could be transformed into a source of strength and growth. By facing the realities of life, including its inherent meaninglessness, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Overall, Nietzsche's idea of nihilism can be seen as positive because it offers an alternative to traditional values and beliefs that may no longer be valid or relevant. It encourages individuals to engage in a process of self-discovery and self-creation, to embrace the challenges and difficulties of life, and to create their own meaning and purpose.

SECOND: Traditional personal development can really suck and much of it is not helpful in the end

Secondly, the traditional approach to personal development is often based on outdated ideas about success and happiness. We're taught to set goals and work tirelessly to achieve them, but this can lead to a never-ending cycle of striving and dissatisfaction. Instead, we can find joy and contentment by being present in the moment and appreciating the simple things in life. Here are some other examples that can be unhelpful:

1. "Just think positive thoughts." This statement oversimplifies the complex nature of human emotions and does not acknowledge that it's not always easy to control one's thoughts or feelings.

2. "If you can dream it, you can achieve it." This statement sets an unrealistic expectation that anything is possible if one simply believes hard enough. It fails to recognize the impact of external factors such as privilege, discrimination, and systemic barriers on an individual's success.

3. "Happiness is a choice." This statement implies that one can always choose to be happy, regardless of their circumstances. It disregards the role of mental health and neurological conditions that can affect one's ability to experience happiness.

4. "Fake it 'til you make it." This statement suggests that one should pretend to be happy or confident, even if they're not, in order to eventually become that way. It ignores the value of authenticity and the importance of acknowledging and addressing one's true emotions.

5. "Everything happens for a reason." This statement assumes that there is a grand plan or purpose to our lives, which may not be true. It can also be dismissive of the hardships and struggles that individuals may face in life, suggesting that their pain and suffering are somehow justified. What does murder and horrible disasters of human of suffering have to do with reason? It's shit. Stop this crap thinking. It only serves to make you feel better - dulling your sense of reason. Think better.

In conclusion, personal development can be approached in a more honest and authentic way, free from the trite and unhelpful sayings that have become so commonplace in the field. We can recognize the limitations of positive thinking and the importance of acknowledging our true emotions and circumstances. Instead of striving for an idealized version of success and happiness, we can find contentment in the present moment and appreciate the simple things in life. By being honest with ourselves and others, we can develop deeper relationships, make better decisions, and reduce stress. The traditional approach to personal development can be limiting and outdated, but by embracing honesty and authenticity, we can find joy and fulfillment in our lives. Let's leave behind the meaningless sayings and embrace a more real and nuanced approach to personal growth.

THIRD: WHY THE PHRASE EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON IS STUPID

The phrase "everything happens for a reason" is like a horoscope - vague, unhelpful, and ultimately meaningless. It's the kind of thing your aunt might say to you after a breakup or a bad day at work, as if the universe were playing a game of chess with your life and you were just a pawn.

But let's be real - the universe doesn't give a damn about us. We're just tiny specks of dust floating through the void, trying to make sense of a world that often makes no sense at all. So why do we cling to this idea that there's some grand design behind everything that happens?

Maybe it's because we're scared. Scared of the randomness and chaos of the world, scared of the idea that we're not in control. But as Nietzsche once said, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." So instead of looking for reasons behind everything that happens, maybe we should focus on creating our own "why" - our own purpose and meaning in life.

In short, the phrase "everything happens for a reason" is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. It's time to let go of this antiquated thinking and embrace the chaos of life. Because who knows - maybe the best things in life are the ones that happen by accident.

SHIT HAPPENS. THAT'S IT. MOVE ON.

-Matt Jones

Eat shit a**hole

FOURTH: HOW DO YOU BE POSITIVE WITH SEEMINGLY NEGATIVE THINKING?

Being positive does not mean ignoring or denying negative thoughts or emotions. In fact, trying to suppress or avoid negative thoughts and feelings can often make them worse. Instead, being positive means acknowledging the negative and choosing to focus on the positive aspects of a situation.

One way to do this is by practicing gratitude. Even in difficult or challenging situations, there are often things to be thankful for. For example, if you're going through a breakup, you might be grateful for the support of your friends or the opportunity to focus on yourself and your own growth.

Another approach is to reframe negative thoughts in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking "I can't do this," try reframing it as "I may struggle at first, but with practice and perseverance, I can improve."

It's also important to remember that negative thoughts and emotions are a normal and natural part of the human experience. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated sometimes. The key is to not let these emotions control your thoughts and actions.

Finally, practicing self-care can also help you maintain a positive outlook. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy.

In summary, being positive doesn't mean denying or suppressing negative thoughts and emotions. It's about acknowledging them and choosing to focus on the positive aspects of a situation, practicing gratitude, reframing negative thoughts, and taking care of yourself.

(Fake positive wonderland)

FIFTH: WHY IS BEING MORE AUTHENTIC AND HONEST WITH YOUR EMOTIONS AND THINKING MORE HELPFUL IN THE END?

Honesty and authenticity are important values that can have a powerful impact on our lives. Being true to ourselves and our emotions can help us develop self-awareness, build stronger relationships, and make better decisions. In this list, we'll explore some of the ways that being more honest and authentic can benefit our overall well-being, happiness, and success. From reducing stress to improving our relationships, these benefits can have a profound impact on our lives. So, if you're looking to live a more authentic and fulfilling life, read on for some tips on how to do just that.

1. Self-awareness: Being honest about your emotions and thoughts can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-awareness can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

2. Better decision-making: When you're honest with yourself, you're better able to make decisions that align with your values and goals. You can also make decisions based on a more accurate assessment of your abilities and limitations.

3. Improved relationships: When you're honest and authentic with others, you're more likely to build trust and develop deeper connections. This can lead to more meaningful relationships and a stronger support system.

4. Reduced stress: When you're honest with yourself and others, you don't have to spend energy hiding your true thoughts and emotions. This can reduce stress and allow you to focus on what's important.

5. Greater happiness: When you're living authentically, you're more likely to be happy and fulfilled. You're not trying to be someone you're not, and you're not sacrificing your values or goals to please others.

In summary, being honest and authentic with your emotions and thoughts can lead to greater self-awareness, better decision-making, improved relationships, reduced stress, and greater happiness. It can help you live a more fulfilling life and achieve your goals in a way that's true to who you are.

YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the belief that everything happens for a reason is a fallacy. Life is unpredictable, and events happen randomly. However, we don't need a divine purpose to find happiness and fulfillment. By embracing the chaos of life and focusing on the present moment, we can create our own meaning and purpose. So let go of the idea that everything happens for a reason, and instead, find happiness and contentment in the journey.

With love and peace,

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Jones is a writer and entrepreneur with multiple businesses who enjoys inspiring others. He is also a professional musician who has been to over 40 different countries on all 7 continents. His personal mission is to create and inspire. He is from Los Angeles but is now based in Greater London. His latest book "Life 2.0" is available on Amazon.