A Work in Progress.

I have no idea where I am going to be in five, ten, or even twenty years’ time. I used to be so scared of not knowing exactly where I wanted my life to end up, and my thoughts were often overridden by my questioning of the future and what kind of career, relationships and challenges I have waiting for me. I still ponder these thoughts, but my views on my future have since changed considerably.  I have become a lot more comfortable with the idea of anticipating the journey and not knowing what to expect. Because when I look back at what I thought my life would be like at the age of twenty-one, it is completely different to where my life is currently heading. And I am okay with that.

I was reading some poetry the other day and came across a wonderful poet, Cleo Wade, who reflected:

“This may look like a crash and burn

But it is just gravity in its beauty

Asking us to touch down

Asking us to feel the earth we come from

Before we reach for the stars again”.

Her words are so beautifully crafted, and she articulates the concept of simplicity and resilience so powerfully. I was reflecting on this poem for quite some time, when I started to think about ways that life is, metaphorically, much like art. Here’s a little glance into the mind of a passionately reflective twenty-one-year-old (*raises hand*) who has no idea which direction her life is heading:

• You begin as a blank canvas: For our whole life - even more so once we reach adulthood - we are given the freedom to guide ourselves whichever direction seems right at the time. We have no expectations, no ground to run off, so we move forward with no clear vision in mind, but enough motivation to move forward and steer a new beginning. 

• You develop and alter things along the way: We have no idea what kind of opportunities,  'failures', roadblocks or changes will arise during our journey. Whether they be good, bad or otherwise, they’re guiding our self-exploration and constantly moving us towards finding our purpose. If one path doesn't work out for you, you still have a lot of time to figure out what you want to do with your life. It is not a race to find your purpose - you do this gradually, learning along the way.

• You have no idea where you are heading: Your ideas of what comprises a meaningful life will probably change over time. It’s impossible to predict where you will end up. With hard work comes opportunities and, alternatively, with a change of direction also comes opportunities. Trust in your instincts and make choices for your current self’s wellbeing and fulfilment. It is completely okay to do things that make you happy in this current moment. Do not feel like you need to think too far ahead; it is often when you least expect it that your life will take an unintentional turn for the best. You work towards opportunities, they don't just present themselves to you, so do something everyday that makes you feel valuable and valued, and the rest will work itself out.

• You must learn to love your ‘failures’: Everyone is going to feel that they have ‘failed’ at things throughout their life. What people often don't realise is that with failures come the most valuable lessons; they show strength, determination and courage. My all-time favourite author, Randy Pausch, says in The Last Lecture: “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” Thrive off and work with your failures; they are blessings in disguise. And if you feel passionately about something, no matter how many times you 'fail', never give up on it. 

• You are valuable far beyond measure: At this current moment, you may not see value in what you are doing. We often measure our value based on accolades and praise, which is not accurate. We are far more impactful than we realise, and our effect on the world and its people is infinite. Have faith that you are making the right choices for yourself, and do something every day that adds purpose to your existence. You will see the true value of you in many years to come.

Remember this: you are a work in progress.  Once you learn to accept and acknowledge this about yourself, you are on a more harmonious path to reach that final masterpiece. Colour your life with wonderful experiences, memories and relationships, and you will leave behind a valuable legacy, one that will inspire and guide others. 

-Nicole