Karma, Fate or Random?

Some questions will always be hard to answer. For instance, why do bad things happen to good people? I think there are three possible answers: It’s fate. It’s karma. It’s random. To decide between the three, I must first determine who (or what) I think is in control.

If the control is within me, then I believe in karma. There is a specific link between what I do and what happens. “What goes around comes around.”

If the control is outside of me, then I believe in fate. Fate conjures a power greater than ourselves that has already determined our destiny. “It was meant to be.” This, of course, suggests that there *is* some meaning.

If there is no control, if things happen without rhyme or reason, then I believe in the randomness of life.

Considering this framework, I look at some of my challenges in therapy. Was I “led” to my previous difficultT and if so, why? What was I supposed to learn? What was the meaning? Or, did I do something that warranted me “getting” this therapist. Was I getting my just desserts? Or was it just a crap-shoot, the name that came up in the insurance provider list?

I don’t know.

Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential.  - Les Brown

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.  - Wayne Dyer

Your soul knows the geography of your destiny. Your soul alone has the map of your future.  - John O'Donohue

What’s your answer?