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James Bennison

@james.bennison_

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Fall is finally back, and so too are we

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Let’s rewind ⏪⏪

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On fire and born to run 2/2

Happenstance. Something that happens by chance or coincidence rather than by plan or intention. I think happenstance is responsible for far more of life than we are willing to admit. We love to say, myself included, that everything happens for a reason. When we say this, we often speak as if everything is planned too. As if, when something unfavorable happens, it is one intentional occurrence meant to make us stronger so that we can eventually reach some intended, favorable outcome. Yet, isn’t it possible that something can happen by chance or coincidence and still happen for a reason at the same time? So much of what makes us who we are and fulfills us comes from moments that were never planned, conversations that almost did not happen, or places we nearly chose not to go. These very important moments that happen by happenstance could be the very things that give us reason. Maybe, instead, it is the gratitude we have that turns happenstance into something larger than it originally was. Maybe there is something freeing about random, chance events happening as one small piece of a huge, beautiful puzzle that is our lives. For the past three months, I have had the same mantra: “Be where your feet are.” Not in a cliche sense, but in the ability to remain present without constantly searching for what comes next. Limiting the sense of urgency that plagues us. It is easy to move through life always focused on the future, treating the present as something temporary. Brushing your teeth as fast as you can, as if those two minutes will pass faster if you rush through them. The nonsense endures as long as it presents the possibility or perception of getting to the next task faster. But I can’t help but notice that some of the most meaningful moments only become significant in retrospect. Precisely because they were unplanned. Presence allows those moments to exist fully before they become memory.

I don’t know. I could be looking into it too deep. Just a thought. Correct me if I am wrong. I digress. Here’s some pictures of my food.

Love always,
Vivian

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Halftime! 🕛🕛

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skipped the sophomore slump #senioryearnext #litness #old 🔥🔥🔥

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Same time next year? 😊

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Wrapping up the semester!

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The best date @jpaigetuggle

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Been up to some things

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💌 to freshman year

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Aaron’s 2024

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Can you tell we have a blast at our meets? Especially when our guys are smashing 15 out of 16 events! 🏊‍♂️

#GoHeels

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