Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"يجب أن نكون على استعداد للتخلص من الحياة التي خططنا لها لكي نحصل على الحياة التي تنتظرنا"

Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell Mythologist
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Life doesn't always go according to our meticulously crafted plans. Sometimes, the path we think we should follow isn't the one meant for us. This idea revolves around the notion that clinging too tightly to our expectations can prevent us from embracing unexpected opportunities.

Consider the life of J.K. Rowling before she became the famous author of the Harry Potter series. She had planned on being a secretary and had never imagined becoming a writer. However, when she was fired from her job, she found herself at a crossroads. Rather than dwell on the life she had planned, she took a chance on the one that was waiting for her. She started writing, and the rest, as they say, is history. This shift didn’t come without its struggles, but it opened doors she never knew existed.

This quote is a powerful reminder that our preconceived notions about how our lives should unfold can sometimes hinder us. Imagine you’ve spent years training to be a lawyer. You land the job, but it doesn’t make you happy. You feel unfulfilled. Then an opportunity arises to start a small bakery, which has always been your passion. If you cling to the life you planned, you might miss out on the joy and satisfaction of following your true calling.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by being open to change. Sometimes, the universe has a better plan for you than the one you’ve imagined. When faced with an unexpected opportunity or a sudden change, instead of resisting, take a moment to consider it. Ask yourself, "Is this something I would regret not trying?" Life is too short to be confined by rigid plans.

Let’s say you have a friend, Sarah. She’s spent years working toward becoming a doctor. But during her residency, she realizes she’s deeply unhappy. She’s always loved art and feels a pull toward becoming an illustrator. It’s a tough decision—does she stick with the life she’s planned, or does she take a leap into the unknown? After much soul-searching, she decides to pursue illustration. Fast forward a few years: Sarah is now a successful illustrator, happier than she ever was in medicine. She didn’t let her original plan dictate her happiness.

The key is to stay flexible and adaptable. Plans are great—they give us direction and purpose. But life is unpredictable. If we’re too rigid, we might miss out on the incredible lives waiting for us. It’s about finding a balance between having goals and being open to new possibilities.

So, next time you find yourself frustrated because things aren’t going as planned, take a deep breath. Consider that maybe, just maybe, there’s something better on the horizon. Be willing to let go of your plans to make room for the life that’s waiting for you. You might just find that the unexpected turns lead to the most beautiful destinations.
Related tags
Acceptance Adaptability Change Letting go Life journey New beginnings Personal growth Possibilities Self-discovery Unexpected
MORE QUOTES BY Joseph Campbell
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon