When we consider that everything that happens to us serves a purpose, the notion arises that even experiences that subtract from us in a given moment can add something significant in the long term.
In this context, I find it delightful to turn to analogies to explore the mysteries of life. One of my favorites is to liken our life to an accounting ledger or spreadsheet—a metaphor that encompasses the mental principle of the “law of accumulation.”
Although I won’t delve into this principle right now, it will become a key reference later on.
Allow me to share a brief story that I believe will be of interest to you. This story revolves around the constant pursuit of something more—an innate tendency within human minds. Throughout my exploration of life, I’ve learned to understand people beyond their social status. I’ve observed how those in the lower class seek money as a solution to their problems, whereas the upper class employs money to avoid problems.
I consider myself passionate about delving into trending topics. Particularly, the increasing representation of UFOs worldwide has captured my attention. If these mysterious presences exist on Earth, it leads me to wonder what they might be seeking here, and the answer is that ‘curiosity’ is what drives them. Curiosity reveals itself as an innate characteristic shared by all living beings.
All of us are engaged in a constant search. This pursuit, regardless of its immediate outcome, fulfills something within us. At times, even experiences that may seem to subtract from us actually contribute to our growth on a deeper level.
I recall the past year as a challenging period in my life. It was as if the twelve biblical plagues had manifested on my path. However, my perseverance and the internal drive within me that always seeks something—referred to as “success”—kept propelling me forward. Success is a concept that varies widely depending on perspective. What I consider success for myself might not hold true for someone else. This variation is natural and valid. For instance, success could mean establishing a loving family for one individual, while for another, it could mean reaching the pinnacle of their profession. The definition of success is intrinsically influenced by culture, education, and personal experiences.
Throughout the past year, I found myself in the Middle East, captivated by its architecture and the contrast between antiquity and modern progress. Despite the incredible exploration of culture and the marvels of architecture, I faced a challenging month. My relationship with a partner with different habits from mine, coupled with negative experiences during my travels, such as nearly being abducted in Egypt or being detained in Thailand, deeply affected me. Nonetheless, my safe return to Costa Rica provided the opportunity to leave behind that toxic relationship, as well as those negative experiences.
Since then, I have been dedicated to my personal growth. I understand that life will challenge us with difficult circumstances, but this doesn’t mean we should live to suffer. Instead, these challenging experiences act as essential nutrients for our mental growth, much like food nourishes our bodies.
Ultimately, our life is a collection of experiences, both those that add to us and those that subtract from us in the moment. Making decisions to overcome these obstacles is akin to managing an accounting ledger: decisions that add to our lives accumulate as credits, while those that subtract accrue as debits for our future. By adopting an approach of growth and learning through these experiences, we can comprehend that each choice we make contributes to the ledger of our life, forming a unique and ever-evolving balance.
