Are we meant to meet the people we meet?

Interesting question. It could also be that meeting those people caused that effect. If you follow what I mean? For example if I bought three balls to juggle with I would juggle with three balls.

But yes, definitely every person I have met has taught me lessons. Some good, some hurtful. Truthfully some I could have done without.

I’m not sure, and it is a good Question. I’ve met people who I haven’t necessarily felt a bond with, but a few years down the road those people are great friends that I don’t want to be without. I think it’s timing.

I don’t really believe in fate, destiny, or any supernatural powers at work. However, every person that I have met has contributed something to the person that I am. A bit of advice, an old saying, a view on life, a memory that they have shared – something. But like the butterfly that flapped it’s wings in Central Park, if I had been born somewhere else and met a different set of people, I suppose I would feel the same about them.

A stranger is only thus because we have yet to meet them…that quote was brought to you by wotthebloodyhellwasthatallabout.com :¬)

Only after the fact.

Once things have happened, then we humans say they were meant to happen. Why? Because it helps us make the events in our lives meaningful. Of course, before they happen, we can’t say we know what they mean because they haven’t even happened yet.

It often seems that way, especially when a lot of serendipity is involved.

I can’t agree with that premise.

I have met thousands of people in my life. When I met them, I could not predict if that person would have an effect on my life. And many of them have had less effect on me than a butterfly flapping its wings over China.

There were guys that were in my fraternity in college, who lived in my part of the building, and they had no effect on me then and looking back they have had no effect on my life in the 35+ years since.

But then there have been people who have entered my life briefly and knowing them led to profound changes in my life. And sometimes the realization of their effect isn’t untul years later.

I don’t believe we’re meant to meet who we meet. I think it’s random. By now I’m sure that hundreds of people I’ve met have had less than no affect on me or my life. But it would feel good to believe otherwise for many of us. Then, whenever we met someone, we could think, “I wonder what this person will bring to my otherwise vacuous existence?” As if someone is up there guiding and directing our lives . A very comforting thought. Or, for some, a feeling of having lost control.

It certainly seems that way now and then. Synchronicity seems so unlikely, but it does happen. You only notice it in retrospect. Meant to be? I don’t know what that means. Meant by what or whom? Does meeting some people create happy and meaningful associations? Definitely. Enjoy them.

I would hate to think so. That would mean that my life is predetermined and I am a free will kind of guy.

me and neil peart

I don’t believe in fate. Lately I don’t know what I believe in, but fate isn’t it.
I don’t think my life has been written in the stars.