I am writing this in the last half hour of 2021, but this word has been on my mind for a while now. “Serendipity” is best defined as a set of happy accidents or a series of events that have an unexpected, albeit positive, outcome. In November, there was a day where I was in the mood to bail on plans (as I frequently do); however, I talked myself into going alone. I had zero to no expectations for how the night would go and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of my life.
I last wrote about the “89” of life, also known as being “almost lucky.” I had a desire to change that outlook and an even deeper one to feel contentment. I’m still working on it, but I wish I could put into words how I felt when I experienced serendipity. It is an overwhelming feeling of happiness, while also being puzzled at how you got from point A to point B.
I do not always want to make my writing this pseudo-philosophical piece because honestly, what the hell do I know? BUT, I will say it is hard to understand serendipity when you believe in a pre-written fate. In Arabic, the word “maktub” means “written” or “established” and that is typically what I reference when I think about destiny. So does that completely dismiss the concept I am writing about? How can something be coincidental if it was meant to be that way? And now I have this attachment to the word “serendipity” and I keep saying it every time I feel an inkling of happiness — where do I go from here? I have been reflecting on this all damn day. I reckon that yes, destiny/qismat is real and we are all following some kind of force majeure plan. In the same vein, we know absolutely nothing. We are, but simple idiots. And in that sense, yes, serendipity is also real. To feel like you accidentally stumbled upon a joyous moment without any planning or emotional investment is a beautiful thing. It also makes your own plans feel so insignificant and small, because ultimately, our fate is not under our direct control and perhaps, we should be really grateful about that.
Finally…God there’s 4 minutes left. I feel like I am writing on a deadline. Anyway, lastly, I want to say that I recently watched the movie “Serendipity” and it was cheesy and unrealistic, and I still cried at the end. Spoiler alert: they find their way back to one another. I think it’s cool to embark on journeys that start with a small, but powerful feeling. May 2022 be full of moments where we listen to that spirit and drive.
