Life is a process, and we are never going to be fully prepared for it. Remind yourself that it is okay to not have it all figured out right away; There is beauty in the uncertainty of it all. We’ll be presented with various paths in our journey, and sometimes we’ll be led astray, and that is okay. These minor detours are just as important as our desired path, it allows us to jump out of our comfort zones and grow. Whether it be good or bad, every single point in our paths are all valuable experiences because they ultimately lead us to where we need to be. Be okay with not knowing what might come next, but know that whatever it is, you will be okay.
“It’s the surprises of the moments and hours, the unexpected twists and turns that give meaning to our journey and make our lessons come alive.”
As we approach the end of another month, it’s important to give ourselves time to pause and reflect on our path. These are a couple of lessons I’ve taken away this month:
Embrace the Detours
Our paths are not meant to be linear. We can map our paths all we want and manifest the perfect life (finance, career, relationships, health, social life), but we must be open to changes. What happens when things don’t go as planned? If we knew everything that was going to happen in our journey, there would be no need to experience it. Life’s detours are for us to learn, explore, and gain valuable lessons. There is no use in blaming the universe for the unexpected detours; instead transform the disappointment into an opportunity to learn. Sometimes missed exits or turns are blessings in disguise.
Don’t Run Your Tank Empty
I’m guilty of waiting until my gas tank is almost empty before filling it up. Most days, I get lucky, and I reach my destination with some gas to spare. Ultimately though, it is crucial to fill your tank before it runs out to prevent potential damage. Similarly, sometimes we get so caught up with everyday responsibilities that we forget to fill our own personal tanks. When we neglect our needs, we put ourselves in a position to burn out and crash. Next time ask yourself, “How can I love myself today?” Maybe it's buying yourself fresh flowers. Maybe it's treating yourself to something sweet. Maybe it's rewatching your favorite tv show. Maybe it’s taking a nap after a long day. Maybe it’s going out for a run. Maybe it’s going to a pretty view. Whatever it is, make time in your schedule to refuel your tank.
Enjoy the View and Capture the Moments
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “life is about the journey, not the destination.” Though it is important to stay focused on the road, it doesn’t mean we can’t roll the windows down, turn the music up, and enjoy the ride. We miss out on the best things in life when we become consumed by our goals. We push, we strive, we overwork ourselves to the point where we become machines. In the grand scheme of things, we’re all going to die one day. As dark as that sounds, it should encourage us to make the best of every single moment. Don’t live just to exist; breathe life entirely and exude all its magic!