Dancing Down the Path of Least Resistance

posted 31st October 2010 Written by: Lindsey CATEGORY: Life Lesson, Lindsey, Season 3, What I've Learned

finding your passion, finding your purpose, passion, path of least resistance, yoga

If you asked me-3-months-ago what I’d be doing today, I would have gotten the answer wrong.

Still living in small town Michigan? No way. Definitely not with your parents! Still feeling confused about your path in life? Of course not! Why you’ve had a whole summer of introspection, you have all the answers! Right? …. Right?!

Nope.

And that answer is okay with me. Sort of.

Walkin’ the Path

We are all on the same path called life. And some days we don’t have a fucking clue where we are walking, why we’re walking there, or, on the bad days, even how to walk. Other days are better. But not having a clue? That’s just fine.

There’s no “Figure it Out” police beating down my door telling me that by age 25 I have to have the answers. Realizing my life purpose wouldn’t be handed to me on a platter took a surprisingly long time. And accepting this took even longer.

As I prepare to leave everything behind again, and embark on a journey into the great unknown, I am reflecting on my past, and pulling out lessons to take with me into the future.

The Path of Least Resistance

I was doing some YouTube Yoga with a friend the other day, and the video lady told us to take the path of least resistance in our practice. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time forcing her body into precarious yoga poses, this struck a chord with me.

What am I forcing in my life? Purpose. Career. Relationships. Et cetera. I have my Big Dream picture. I have me, in real life, right now. And a great long path in front of me, that eventually leads to Big Dream life. Which got me thinking…

Why must I force life, when there are so many fun surprises to be discovered along the way?

So I made some rules for myself, to keep me on my path of least resistance.

What you want and what you get are two different things. Get over it.

Whatever preconceived notions you have about your future are wrong. There is no way to predict the future. Dreams are a glorious way to make sure you are on a path that fulfills and motivates you but the exact picture in your head will likely never turn out exactly as you see it. (Shhh, It might even turn out better.)

There is a point where dreams must be recognized as nothing more than dreams. Use them as guiding principles as you create your reality. Reality is much better anyways, because it’s, well, real.

Your purpose in life is to live. Simple as that.

Obsess over finding your passion and your purpose all you want, but I’m not convinced this is a useful way to spend your time. Get out of your head and experience life.

Humanity is beautiful.

You aren’t perfect. No one is perfect. But on your best days, there is someone in your life who can make it better. Share a meal. Give a gift. Smile. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will replace the amazing value of other people.

Dancin’ that Path Because Walking is Less Fun

Depression has become a natural partner to the confusion of finding purpose in life. When it doesn’t work out, it’s easy to fall into a state of sadness and disappointment. Walking the path, and especially on the path of least resistance is good. But, hell, let’s turn on some jams, put on our dancing shoes and spin down it. I am so sick of waiting to celebrate, I might just do it the whole way there. Where ever “there” is…

{photo credit : mikebaird}

Comments (13)

637513 Responses2010-10-31+16%3A00%3A30Lindsey to “Dancing Down the Path of Least Resistance”

Kerryn Angell Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 8:28 am
I love this. I had to move half way around the world and start living some of my dreams (travelling around Europe) before I realised all of the fun things I could have been doing back home. Now I know I'll have an amazing time where ever I am and the only thing that's changed is me. Let's dance!
EMME MCCRAY Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 8:54 am
THANKS LINDSAY. I LOVE READING YOUR INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLES
erinmakesitwork Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 11:28 am
I have on my dancing shoes and I'm ready to go!
Heather Rae Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Your rules for living are perfect. This is a great post! Thanks for sharing.
Lindsey Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Woo hoo! Life really is about having the right perspective. Nothing sucks when YOU feel great. Glad you discovered this for yourself firsthand!
Lindsey Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Thank YOU for getting inspired! Dance on, girl
Lindsey Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Get down witcha bad self
Lindsey Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Thanks Heather! It's good to keep little reminders like that around for days when it's not so easy to remember to relax and enjoy life.
Alisha Says:
October 31st, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I looooove when I read a post and it feels like you've read my mind! I was just thinking the other day about how often we choose the hardest path. I decided that while I was away visiting family this week that I would try to live in a state of ease. And I feel great!
Lindsey Says:
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
It's good to be at ease. Glad we're on the same page Keep feelin' great, lady!
nikki_klecha Says:
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:41 am
LOVE this – it really struck a chord with me. You're right; there were no "figure it out" police at my door at 25 and there won't be any at 30, so I can just calm down. Nothing has ever turned out good for me when I forced it, so it's time to losen my grip and boogie. xo
Doniree Says:
November 3rd, 2010 at 9:10 pm
This has to be one of my favorite of your posts! I love the "least resistance" part there – most of my yoga instructors have told us over and over to "be where you are" and all of that. It's TOUGH for us to accept that the 'path of least resistance' is still a noble one. We think we have to work SO HARD for everything and all the right answers, and I'm starting to realize that the RIGHT answers come most clear when we stop working to find them and just settle in.
Lindsey Says:
November 4th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Nothing turns out good when you force it, but I always stop and realize I AM forcing something. Such an annoying pattern, but YAY to us for calling ourselves out. One step closer…!