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Patrick Fellows is a 5 time Ironman, TEDx giving, 32 miles swimming, endurance coaching, healthy cooking, entrepreneur and musician.  Born in Dearborn, MI, raised in Mississippi and a Louisianian for 30 years, 

We weren’t made to fit

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In November I started a post with this same title. Looking at it makes me think I was going to go to great lengths to argue that we are but large bugs/squishy machines. Not literally, but a reminder that trying to explain away disease and such as being different because we can think really overcomplicates the reality. How there aren’t millions more accidental squishings of humans on a daily basis is actually kind of baffling. Uplifting stuff I know. 


The actual greater point was that we spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to figure out “the right ways” to do things and to explain with accuracy why the things in the world happen. Like life is a 750 piece puzzle of s Swiss landscape, just start on the edges and it will all come together. This mindset is sure to leave us searching as it’s just not how it works. Or if it does, the puzzle sure looks fucked up. 


My dad was in recovery for 34 years and during this time, I think I heard “everything happens for a reason,” so much that I assumed it as writ. That there was some giant turtle (God?) out in space keeping things rolling along on his slow patient plan for us. Not being the most religious guy, and like most, searching for answers, I played along and figured “that turtles gonna make it right at some point, just keep on keeping on.”  Still waiting turtle. still waiting. 


I have said this before but it bears repeating. Everything doesn’t happen for a reason. Everything happens. You apply the reasons. Or if you’d like some more peace in your life, everything happens. Accept that a lot of it is actually random and can’t be explained. This may not be popular, but the longer I’m around. The more accurate it becomes. 


Well what about math and science you say?  What about God’s plan?  First, I have a history degree so I’m going to trust you on math, and as far as the notion of a plan for everyone/everything, I’m just not buying in. I’ve been wrong before and I’ll just have to accept it if I’m wrong. 


I’ll just have to accept it if I am wrong. 


Accepting that things just are is actually kind peaceful. 


And another thing my dad’s AA ways taught me that I’ve touched on before. 


The courage to change the things I can. 


Acceptance. Courage. Change. 


#hugsandhi5s

Flawed as ever

I wonder