Combine Opposites

Herman Melville wrote that to create art, "unlike things must meet and mate."

He referred to "sad patience" and "joyous energies." Melville included instinct and study as ingredients along with humility and pride, audacity and reverence. He added a "flame to melt" and a "wind to freeze."

Combine opposites to shape a work of art in writing.  How would you describe your life?