I used to have all these plans and think 'Ah, I have my whole

"I used to have all these plans and think 'Ah, I have my whole life figured out', but then I realized no matter how much I plan: life happens! So I find myself living day to day trying to do my best, embracing every moment as a learning opportunity and chance to get to know myself a little more." These profound words by Q'orianka Kilcher speak to the very nature of life, plans, and the unpredictable forces that guide our existence. In a world where we are often taught to control our destiny, to carve out our path with careful planning and deliberate action, Kilcher’s revelation offers a humbling reminder that life, in its essence, cannot be fully contained by our designs. It is a dance between intention and reality, where, no matter how meticulously we plan, the world will always find a way to surprise us, to challenge us, and to push us to grow.

The ancients understood this well. The Greek philosophers spoke of fate, a force that guided the lives of men and women, regardless of their own desires. Heraclitus, for instance, taught that change is the only constant in life. He famously said, “You cannot step into the same river twice,” reminding us that life is in a constant state of flux. Just as the river flows on, always moving, never stagnant, so too does our journey unfold in ways we cannot always predict. The plans we make, though important, are not the final word. They are mere intentions, temporary constructs that must be adapted when life’s current pulls us in a different direction. It is this recognition of life’s fluidity that the ancients embraced, urging us to move forward with purpose but also with humility, understanding that life’s twists and turns are as much a part of our growth as our carefully laid paths.

In more recent times, consider the story of Alexander the Great, who began his journey with a clear vision: to conquer the known world and spread Greek culture. From a young age, he was trained to be a leader, a tactician, and a conqueror. Yet, despite his meticulous plans, life had a different course for him. His conquest of Persia, his journey into India, and his sudden death at a young age all remind us that even the mightiest of men are not immune to the unpredictable forces of fate. Alexander's legacy, though shaped by his ambition, is a testament not just to his plans, but to his ability to adapt when faced with the unexpected. His story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of greatness is not always linear, and that each moment holds the potential for growth and learning, no matter how much we think we have control.

Kilcher’s words also remind us of the importance of embracing the present, of seeing each moment as an opportunity to learn and to grow. Time is fleeting, and the moments we experience today are the building blocks of our future selves. The ancient wisdom of the Buddha taught that attachment to future outcomes can cause suffering, for when we cling too tightly to plans and expectations, we miss the beauty and lessons of the present moment. Instead, the Buddha advised us to embrace impermanence, to live fully in the now, and to approach each moment as an opportunity for growth. Kilcher’s reflection echoes this ancient truth, suggesting that our best chance at wisdom and understanding comes not from rigid plans, but from flexibility, from being willing to let go of what we think we know and allow life to reveal its teachings in its own time.

There is also an element of self-discovery in Kilcher’s words. As we live day to day, embracing each moment as a learning opportunity, we find ourselves unfolding in unexpected ways. Just as the flowers of spring bloom gradually, revealing their beauty with each passing day, so too does our understanding of self deepen as we engage with the world around us. It is not the grandiose achievements that shape us most, but the quiet moments of introspection and reflection, the willingness to accept what life gives us and learn from it. The self that we are today may not be the same self we were yesterday, for life has a way of continually transforming us, shaping us into beings of greater wisdom and understanding.

This process of embracing life’s unpredictability requires courage, the courage to live without the certainty of a mapped-out future. For many, this can be a terrifying concept. The world seems to offer us constant messages that we must plan and prepare, that we must control every aspect of our lives. But Kilcher’s reflection reminds us that true strength lies not in controlling every outcome but in trusting the process. It is in embracing the unknown, in surrendering to the ebb and flow of life, that we find our true selves, just as Socrates discovered the path to wisdom through constant questioning and openness to new experiences.

The lesson, therefore, is clear: we must learn to let go of our need for control and embrace the unknown with grace and curiosity. Plans and goals are important, but they should not bind us or define us. Life, in all its unpredictable glory, is the greatest teacher we can have, and each day offers a chance to learn, to grow, and to discover more about who we are and who we are becoming. Just as the ancients embraced the fluidity of existence, we too must learn to ride the waves of life, knowing that each challenge, each detour, and each moment of uncertainty holds the seeds of our deepest growth.

And so, let us move forward with faith in life’s unfolding journey, trusting that no matter how much we plan, each moment is a chance to discover something new, both about the world and about ourselves. Let us live with the understanding that life is not a destination, but a process, one that is ever-changing and ever-teaching, if only we are open to receiving its lessons.