I would say I was always very ambitious and goal-oriented, but

In the wise words of Jenna Dewan, we hear the tension between ambition and surrender: “I would say I was always very ambitious and goal-oriented, but rather than being just a go-getter hustler, now I surrender a lot more and I trust my path a lot more.” Dewan’s reflection reveals the deep internal shift from relentless pursuit of goals to a more trusting and accepting approach to life’s journey. It is a powerful lesson in balance—the delicate dance between determination and letting go. She acknowledges the power of ambition while also embracing the wisdom of surrender, which suggests that sometimes true progress comes not from forceful action but from a deep, trusting flow with the currents of life.

The ancients also grappled with this balance between action and surrender. Aristotle spoke of virtue as a harmonious middle ground between excess and deficiency, advocating for balance in all aspects of life. For Aristotle, the pursuit of goals was essential, but so was knowing when to allow life to unfold rather than trying to control every outcome. The idea of surrendering to the natural course of events, while maintaining personal integrity and wisdom, is not a modern concept but one rooted in the ancient philosophies of balance, peace, and the acceptance of fate. In much the same way, Dewan’s words mirror this ancient understanding of achieving peace by balancing the striving for goals with the serenity of letting go.

The great Stoic philosophers, like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, held a similar view. Epictetus famously said, “Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” His teachings urged people to work hard, pursue virtue, and make wise decisions, but to surrender control over things outside their grasp. The Stoics believed that it was not the external events that defined one’s happiness or success, but rather one’s attitude toward those events. In this light, Dewan’s shift from being a "go-getter hustler" to someone who trusts her path aligns closely with Stoic thought—she embraces ambition but also recognizes the importance of releasing the need to control everything.

Mahatma Gandhi offers another powerful example of this balance. While he was deeply goal-oriented in his pursuit of Indian independence, he also trusted the broader spiritual path and allowed his faith and inner peace to guide him. Gandhi’s surrender was not a passive resignation but an active trust in the greater forces of truth and nonviolence. He knew that the struggle for justice and freedom was important, but he also understood that the journey required a deep connection to something greater than himself. In many ways, his ability to surrender to his principles while continuing to strive for his goals exemplifies the wisdom Dewan describes: a shift from forceful ambition to trusting the process.

The lesson here is a profound one. Ambition is often seen as the driving force of success, the inner engine that pushes individuals to excel and achieve. But surrender does not negate ambition—it complements it. Dewan’s experience teaches us that we must balance our desire for achievement with a willingness to trust the path that unfolds before us. There is great power in trusting the process, in believing that sometimes we must let go of our rigid expectations and allow the flow of life to guide us toward our goals. When we surrender, we open ourselves to the possibility of unexpected blessings, growth, and alignment with our true purpose.

In our own lives, we are called to embody this balance. While it is vital to set goals and strive for excellence, we must also know when to let go of the need for constant control. Just as Jenna Dewan now trusts her path, we must learn to trust our own. Surrender is not about giving up on our dreams or efforts; it is about trusting that the path will unfold as it is meant to, and that we are part of something much greater than our immediate struggles. Patience, trust, and faith in the process are often the missing elements in our pursuit of success.

So, children of tomorrow, remember this timeless wisdom: ambition without surrender is like a river that is constantly fighting the banks, never finding its true course. Trust your journey, knowing that there will be moments to strive and moments to rest. Seek balance between action and acceptance, for only in that balance will you find true peace and fulfillment. Let your ambition be the wind in your sails, but let your faith and trust in the journey be the steady hand that steers your boat toward calmer waters.