"Si tu veux faire rire Dieu dis-lui tes projets d'avenir"

The saying suggests that life's unpredictability makes our detailed future plans almost comical to a higher power. It points out that despite our best efforts to map out every step of our lives, the universe—or whatever higher power you believe in—often has other plans.

Think about the early 2000s when people were buzzing with excitement about the rapid growth of technology and the internet. Everyone had their predictions. Some were dead set on the idea that we'd be zipping around in flying cars by 2020. Yet, here we are, still firmly grounded on Earth, dealing with different challenges and innovations no one saw coming. The point? No matter how much we try to foresee and control the future, it's always full of surprises.

Take the example of starting a new business. Imagine you’ve spent years planning, researching, and dreaming about opening your own little bakery. You've got everything sorted out: the location, the ingredients, even the secret recipes. You’re ready. Then, just as you’re about to launch, a global pandemic hits. Suddenly, the world changes overnight. People are staying home, and your carefully crafted plans are up in the air. This is a practical example of how unpredictable life can be. We can’t always see what’s around the corner.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Well, it's all about balance. Planning isn't bad—it's necessary. But while making plans, remain flexible and open to change. Life is a bit like sailing. You can set your course, but you have to adjust your sails to the winds that come your way. Keep an open mind and be ready to pivot. If something doesn’t go as planned, see it as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Here’s a story for you. Picture Sarah, an ambitious young woman who had her life meticulously mapped out. She was going to finish college, land a high-paying job, and climb the corporate ladder. But after graduation, she struggled to find work in her field. Frustrated and worried, she took a job at a local non-profit to pay the bills. Unexpectedly, she discovered a passion for helping others and realized this was her true calling. If Sarah had stuck rigidly to her original plan, she'd have missed out on a fulfilling career that made her genuinely happy.

In the end, this quote serves as a gentle reminder that no matter how much we plan, life's twists and turns are beyond our control. So, dream big and plan, but also let go and trust the journey. Because sometimes, what life has in store for us is better than anything we could have ever imagined.