Life is a Journey, Choose To Embrace It

Often we get caught up in getting from point A to point B in a minimal amount of time with as few detours as possible. We anticipate for everything to run smoothly, and for all things to go according to our plan. However, it is necessary to recognize how to embrace our journey (process, story, or path – whichever you choose to call it) and that it is okay if your point B turns into a point C or point D or point E.

Enjoying the journey means to accept the changes and detours within your life.

Understand that the plan for your life is greater than your own plan for yourself. The bumps in the road and the loss of direction does not mean that you are not on the path to point B, it just means that your journey to get to your goal is going to be more of an unplanned adventure. Remember that not everything goes according to plan, and that it’s okay if you’re on a minor (or major) detour.

Here’s an example from my own life: In December 2016 I made the decision that I wanted to go to graduate school and get my masters degree. Applying to two graduate schools was my “point A.” I predetermined that “point B” was attending my first choice university that was located on the east coast of Canada. I got an acceptance letter from my second choice school, but waited to respond with the hopes of receiving a letter from the school on the east coast. The day after I accepted my offer to my current university, I received a letter from the school on the east coast. I was heart-broken. I cried, I got mad, and I didn’t know what to do. Fast-forward to now, six months deep into graduate school and I could not imagine being anywhere else. I’m blessed with the people who I have met, and the opportunities that I have ahead. I truly had to embrace the fact that my journey is supposed to continue in Ontario for reasons that I do not know now, but will one day come to realize. Self-reflection on situations like this is the ultimate reminder to appreciate my personal journey through life.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far is that everything happens for a reason. The only way I’ve discovered the truth of this notion is through self-reflection. Reflection on life is an important way of understanding that “the bumps and detours” in life will all work themselves out in the end. Trust me.

Think about adding more self-reflection into your life. It will allow for you to face any future struggles, decisions, or situations with more ease because you’ll remember that everything will work itself out, always.