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
“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.
I feel same after resurfacing from deep sleep in nap. Yes. With you.
Intense amazement and astonishment then fear creeps in. Fear is a new feeling.
Hmmmm. Regressing.
I know where the morbid thoughts are coming from. They need to stop.
Full stop.
That karmic kismet…amazes me too, and reminds me regularly how blessed and lucky I am…
Yes. Gratitude washes all over.
fate, luck, ___?
Miracle!
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!
Montreal! Alive! Both amazingly wonderful Sandy!
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.
Me too Roseanne. Did I know you are from CT?
Not sure…..western side of the state, between Waterbury and Danbury.
Wow, cool….
“…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….
Yes. Exactly. Crazy. A miracle. All of it.
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.
Arted. Like that. Glad that you are experiencing those moments of joy and awe.