You can’t go on spending your days in retrospect. Instead, introspect. Look within and for now – really listen. Your longing is saying something.
It doesn’t matter if your next step isn’t anywhere justified, we’re all here pursuing one’s best guess. Perhaps that’s what life is – a series of guesses and chances. Seize it.
This is it. More or less. Or rather, nothing less. Like you are.
Conversations and coffee. The banters, the laughters. Even the rush and the rhythm. All these fuel my day. Until I find myself making it, yet again, to Friday.
Now is the time not to run but to go. Ahead with purpose. A steady head amidst the beating heart. Ready? Destination’s set.
I opened a random page at a book from the office shelves, and it led me to this comforting note.
“Sometimes not having any idea where we’re going works out better than we could possible have imagined.” – Ann Patchett
More than a reminder, this will serve as my anchor in these times when I’m mostly not sure. Also a prayer. A spark of hope that this comes true and it will indeed get better. Or at least, clearer.
We chase answers – left and right. We travel far, or at least dream to. When all the while what we seek can be found where we already are. Surprise! But the journey at least made us all the wiser to finally discover what’s in front of our eyes. After all. And all this time.
Results too can go left and right. Far from what we pictured in our minds. But still our hearts can try and cope. Even still hope. A superpower.
I start my morning with a snooze button. Or rather, being kind to oneself through 5 more minutes. It’s okay. As Billy Joel frames it in Vienna.
Then I dive into learnings and insights. I tend to forget but at least make an effort to relearn and rediscover as I go. Maybe that’s what life is – a process of remembering and replaying, and ultimately – trying. To be better, to be kind, to be human.
Then I got transported – through words, music, meetings, even food. The flavors of the day captured by the ticking of the clock, anxieties and maybes, and mostly showing up. It matters.
And yes, at times there’s a tendency to wonder what I’m actually here for. But though I don’t know the answer still today I seed hope at my doorstep, reframe perspectives, and realize though at times I feel lost, not all is.
Despite the uncertainties lurking or even the overwhelm peeking, we can reclaim our power, rewrite our day. How so?
Through embracing that being lost is okay. So might as well have a little fun in the detours.
Also through acknowledging that the present isn’t here to stay. Hence a reminder to try make the most of our time left. Today. And each day, each moment thereafter.
Met a seemingly irritable angry elderly woman today at a cafe. I was quick to judge. But we got into a conversation and she’s generous with her wisdom and even mall navigational tips. My budding spite transformed to awe.
I also got a haircut. And to my surprise my stylist went beyond the small talk and we discoursed around books & politics. Justice, even. I not only gained a shorter lighter hair but an even better perspective. That haircut’s ultimately worth.
The people we meet usually have a few tricks up their sleeves. Then we’re caught off guard in a good way. What a delight. What a world.
The highfalutin always gets me nauseous. The indictments and reconnaissance. Even highfalutin itself.
But just maybe – we all walk and wander around, not having a clue. And still try to adopt the same walk and talk. Until we convince ourselves it all makes sense. Does it?
Or maybe it’s a defense mechanism. Using deep words to conceal. Or perhaps – pretending just for the thrill. This one’s acceptable.
But in truth? Simple is more credible. More powerful too.
After the day’s work is done, I make it a point to travel a bit and wander some more. Well in truth the work isn’t done (does it ever), but still I run.
Put my headphones then walk away then marvel at the lights and how they sparkle, and also at the sights and how they’re riddled with wonder, then escape in words and worlds just until my ride arrives.
These little breaks are needed for sanity’s sake. A taste of bliss beyond the pretense. Hence this day and with each passing night – still able to catalyze my own saving grace.