Change is inevitable.

Change is inevitable.

Our lives take us on a journey whether we are looking for adventure or not. While we can plan for the trip ahead, there is no guarantee of what predicaments we will find ourselves in along the road. I’m walking an all too familiar path right now – the pathway of ambiguity.

Exactly one year ago I was venturing out to begin work at a new company, filled with purpose and growth opportunities. The feeling of starting off fresh in a different city with ambitious goals in mind was thrilling. No guarantees were provided, but something felt different about this journey. It felt promising and in many ways it felt serendipitous.

…

Fast forward to today. I’ve moved on, changed companies, and found myself back in my hometown. Life threw me quite a curveball on that trip.  In fact, I’m still being thrown for a loop. A year ago I was searching for opportunities; a year later I’m in search of direction. Through various changes at my company I’ve been slowly transitioned out of a position from a dual role I held in the main office. Now with my remaining position at the company I’m reevaluating the course my life will take in the coming weeks.

Much like a year ago, the quote below speaks truth and serves as a relevant reminder of the types of journeys life takes us on.

A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. – John Steinbeck

All our planning and precautions, while well meaning, are never sure. I’ve been taught this lesson several times and yet I’m still learning how to adjust to the idiosyncrasies of life when eminent change is on the horizon. The plans I had 6 months ago, 3 months ago, even just a few weeks ago have altered since my employment circumstances changed, and now continue to change.

Change is inevitable.

As the sound of rain continues to fall outside, the reminder of the storm before the calm surrounds me. Honestly, there isn’t an inkling of clarity for me in this moment. The weeks ahead are a mystery that looms over me and thus all my plans and safeguards leading up to this summer have dissolved. In the midst of the chaos I’ve come to understand that change is a part of it all. The incessant thought, “we do not take a trip; a trip takes us,” echoes through my mind yet again. Life will continue to take me for a ride, on a journey where the destination is unknown. The choice I’ve decided to make right now is to enjoy the ride and make stops along the way as this journey pans out.

No two journeys are alike.
Here’s to new adventures, whatever they may be.