A new friend of mine recently challenged me with a single question, “Do you have a plan for yourself?” I just stared at her for about 2 minutes and then answered, “Clearly, I don’t.” It’s been my experience that plans never work out the way you envisioned and so I told her that about 5 years ago, I decided to stop making plans and to just go with the flow. Projecting way out in the future is a futile endeavor, I feel. It sets you up for incredible disappointment. Life happens, and not in any way you imagined.

My friend spends her days helping people define who they are and what they want to be in the world. Nebulous job description I know, but useful nonetheless. She explained to me that long-term goals are dangerous but invaluable. Interesting paradox. She went on to say that plans help you work out what you want to do with your days; today, this week, this month. They help bring forward short-term objectives.

I am still grappling with this conversation. What is the point of working hard every single day on short-term objectives you hope gets you to a goal that you will most likely never get to? Why not just go with the flow and let life happen to you?

I explained to her that for nearly 5 years, I’ve been a gypsy. She said, “I’d go so far as to say that you’ve been a nomad. It’s time to come home.”

Fascinating. All this time, I thought I was on a path. Turns out my path has been to not be on a path. The ultimate goal-less goal. Even I am getting dizzy thinking about this.

Yoga has taught me to be in life’s current. My friend inviting me to use life’s current to take me where I want to go. She asked me to think about what I want to be known for in 10 years. For the first time in my life, I am definitely aware of the fact that I have no idea. What type of legacy do you want to leave? Have you thought about that lately?

Posted in: Life & Philosophy |