Connecting the Dots

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” – Steve Jobs

Connecting the dots is something you only get to do when you are old enough and can look back over 30 or 40 years of your life, and begin to see the patterns. It is a scary picture that you will see once you connect the dots, but only if you are brave enough to face the realities and accept that certain events and people were interlinked for some bizarre purpose. Call it emotional or soul detective work if you want, but this is a task that requires time.

In some cases you will be horrified with what you learn about yourself as a series of chronic failures and toxic behaviour reveal themselves, features that have done damage to your own self and those around you over the years. Conversely, the dots may also uncover something that you can be damn proud of, those marvellous achievements thus far that will become your legacy. Either way, connecting the dots is difficult, painful, and certainly requires professional guidance.

Lessons thus far:
Some of these connected dots were meant to take me through storms to make me stronger, learn some cruel realities, and become a seasoned warrior.
Other patterns were intended to experience life’s gifts, for better or for worse, but were there for a reason and led me to the place and time where I stand now.

Lastly, the dots will also reveal why it is necessary to let go after death, grief, and irreperable damage. The dots have taught me that some things are not worth fighting for and it is time to chart a new course.