Amor Fati
The concept of "Amor Fati," which translates to "love of fate," encourages us to embrace everything that happens in our lives, both the good and the bad.
By Faith Ogunode
7.6.2024 - 6 minutes read
In Herman Williams’ seminal work on the joys of being a model train hobbyist, he writes: “Many an hour have I spent blissfully lost in a world of my own creation. For the model train enthusiast, there exists a secret world of order and symmetry, nestled into the corners of our basements and attics, where we lord over a world where the hobbyist plays omnipotent creator. There, in one eight seven scale, the neighbors are always kind, the lovers always end up together, and the trains take you to the far-off places you always swore you’d go. In life, of course, nothing is nearly as neat and tidy."
This passage got me interested in a movie called A Good Person. The lead actress lived an inspiring life with her fiancé until she was involved in a car accident that tragically killed her future brother-in-law and sister-in-law. From that moment, her life took a dramatic U-turn. She became addicted to drugs and had to confront the ensuing trauma.
The concept of "Amor Fati," which translates to "love of fate," encourages us to embrace everything that happens in our lives, both the good and the bad. It is a philosophy of seeing every experience as essential and valuable, accepting our destiny without resistance. Some things are impossible to forget, but we need to be open enough to learn and trust in the divine for hope and healing.
In the face of her adversity, the lead character's journey illustrates the essence of Amor Fati. She learns to navigate her pain and addiction, finding strength in her struggles and growth in her suffering. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the capacity to rise, adapt, and thrive.
In our own lives, we may not have the power to control everything that happens to us, but we do have the power to control how we respond. Just like the model train hobbyist finds joy in creating a perfect miniature world, we can find peace and purpose in embracing our imperfect reality. We can learn to love our fate, to see the beauty in our trials, and to recognize that every experience shapes us into who we are meant to be.
So, as we journey through life, let us remember to embrace Amor Fati. Let us cherish the highs and accept the lows, knowing that each step, each challenge, and each triumph is a vital part of our unique story. In doing so, we find the strength to keep moving forward, with resilience, gratitude, and an unwavering love for the life we are given.
