I want to share a personal story with you.
Going into my Sophomore year of high school, I thought I knew the vision for my life. I was so confident of the path ahead of me and I knew the exact steps I needed to take to reach my dreams. I thought I knew where I was going and who I was.
That all changed when I was in a tragic accident and became a quadriplegic.
My original vision for my life was completely shattered, and I had to change it, re-create it and build it into something new.
Through my journey of overcoming paralysis to the point where I am now, a walking and working man, I discovered my true life’s mission of lifting up others and using my experience to show that anyone can overcome the odds and achieve whatever they set their mind to. This huge redirection of my path taught me that even though it is important to never stop striving to achieve your vision, it might change due to life’s curveballs.
Be committed but not attached to your vision.
As you pursue your game-changing vision, many obstacles will come across your path. Big or small, you must face them without fear. You cannot be afraid of change, for change is the only constant we have in this world and through change can come a beautiful process. While you are capable of overcoming anything, some circumstances may change your life, and therefore, change your vision.
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe
Even the branches and the leaves of the towering and resilient Red Wood Trees of Northern California that have been rooted in the ground for hundreds of years are agile in response to the will of the wind. In life, be like these remarkable trees: fiercely rooted in your intention but flexible in the unpredictable course of life. Let your roots wind down deep into the ground and hold fast to the soil that is who you are. But when change comes, let go of the habits and thought patterns that no longer serve your purpose, just as the wind blows away the dead leaves and branches when the season is over. Even if a ton of change isn’t necessary, at a minimum, it’s an opportunity to take personal inventory. The wind and storms is natures way of purging and cleansing itself of what does not belong or no longer serve its intent. Be agile and unattached enough to release the things that no longer serve your vision whenever obstacles cross your path.
Life-changing things can happen when you accept change and view it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. You might discover something in yourself that you never knew was there or find a new purpose that brings you more fulfillment than you ever imagined.
When you’re too attached to the original picture of your game-changing vision, you can miss out on the amazing things that life might have in store for you. So, while you should never stop striving to reach your dreams, you must move with the obstacles and allow the path to your vision unfold in front of you and change for the better.
Rodney