Every morning, even before I open my eyes, I know I am in my bedroom and my bed. But if I go to sleep after lunch in the room where I work, sometimes I wake up with a feeling of childish amazement — why am I myself? What astonishes me, just as it astonishes a child when he becomes aware of his own identity, is the fact of finding myself here, and at this moment, deep in this life and not in any other. What stroke of chance has brought this about? What astonishes me, just as it astonishes a child when he becomes aware of his own identity, is the fact of finding myself here, and at this moment, deep in this life and not in any other.
~ Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) in her autobiography, All Said and Done
Source: Brainpickings – Simone de Beauvoir on the Constellation of Chance and Choice That Makes Us Who We Are
Live & Learn 
“What stroke of chance has brought this about?”
Lately, yes, this has been on my mind a lot. And it doesn’t feel more real than when I’m coming back, slowly to reality, from a nap.
Also, I’m on the look out for what stroke of luck will change it all. Not that I want anything different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel same after resurfacing from deep sleep in nap. Yes. With you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Intense amazement and astonishment then fear creeps in. Fear is a new feeling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmmm. Regressing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know where the morbid thoughts are coming from. They need to stop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Full stop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That karmic kismet…amazes me too, and reminds me regularly how blessed and lucky I am…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes. Gratitude washes all over.
LikeLike
fate, luck, ___?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miracle!
LikeLike
Wonderful quote, Dave. “Astonished” is a great word of the day. I’m astonished to find myself sitting here in Montreal at the end of the first week of January. 🙂 Happy Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Montreal! Alive! Both amazingly wonderful Sandy!
LikeLike
Oh, David! Why isn’t there a “love” button? I have read this 4 times already – out loud, to hear how delicious it is.
Good morning from a beautiful snowy morning in CT.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too Roseanne. Did I know you are from CT?
LikeLike
Not sure…..western side of the state, between Waterbury and Danbury.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, cool….
LikeLike
“…deep in this life and not in any other.” I’m often hit by the realization that things could have gone so very differently for me — the notion strikes most frequently when I travel. I am humbled by the blessings I have enjoyed, and also intrigued by the idea that there are so very many other paths I could have traveled, where it not for a metaphorical left turn here or right turn there. Crazy….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Exactly. Crazy. A miracle. All of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found this exact sentiment happening as I arted (I declare “art” a verb now) last week. After such a low autumn, to wake up in those moments of quiet joy were astonishing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arted. Like that. Glad that you are experiencing those moments of joy and awe.
LikeLike