Happy Endings

Orson Welles, famous actor and author, once said:

If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.

Isn't that so true? It reminds me of the Buddhist doctrine of impermanence which states: "change or impermanence is the essential characteristic of all phenomenal existence." The late Buddhist Monk, Bhikkhu Ñanamoli, said it even simpler:

Whatever IS will be WAS.

Essentially,

This too shall pass.

Life is a rollercoaster. We have ups and downs, twists and turns. If the ride suddenly stopped in the middle of a loop leaving you suspended upside down, you'd most likely scream in terror. If, however, the sudden stop left you in the bottom of a trough, you'd probably feel pretty safe and serene.

When we realize that nothing in life is permanent and that "this too shall pass," we can face our challenges with optimism knowing that better days are ahead. Likewise, when all is well, we can prepare for hard times knowing that they too surely will come.

And while I like and understand what Mr. Welles is saying, what if we could somehow control where our story ends, thereby ensuring a happy ending?

Perhaps, however, that's not the right line of thinking. In fact, the more I ponder, the more I realize that ensuring happy endings isn't so much about where you Stop Your Story, but how you Enjoy Your Journey.

Buckling in and being fully present as you catapult through the many loops and swirls--screaming, laughing, crying, and feeling the thrill, chills and "holy shitness" of it all--EYES FREAKING WIDE OPEN--Now what if this is what happy endings are all about?

I'm going to trust the stopping of the story to the Roller Coaster Operator while I focus on fully enjoying the ride.