I met a man today who spoke with me about his life and the multitude of lives he’d lived within various careers. It made me realize that I’ve so much yet to do, or at least that I’d so like to do. Part of me struggles with notions as to how to balance the me I am today and the me I’m growing into. Maybe they’re one in the same and I shouldn’t be so hard on myself.

It was so interesting to hear his story. I asked him how he knew what he wanted to do, or if he really ever knew. He said of course he didn’t know. Much of what he’d done with his life and become was a result of, as he described, “the pieces of me that were always there, and I just didn’t recognize.” He was discovered by a mentor, or former boss, and flourished in his life as a TV director and screenwriter. He is now a master of language, drama, and enabling those in the corporate world to hone their voices.

The words he said were perfect for me to hear. I began to reread The Alchemist, one of my favorite literary works. Within the text, Coelho artfully introduces the notion of omens, as in one scene a butterfly appears on sight. I don’t know if I believe in omens, but I believe in seeing things that were meant to be seen. I think I was meant to hear that man’s words today. 

Earlier this week I tried walking into my flat as an observer; I looked at my book collection, my candles, the poetic decor and whimsical nature of the space I have (and continue to) very mindfully crafted. It made me realize how important the concept of exploration is to me, and that it’s actually embedded in the person I am. 

Life is abundant with phases of not knowing, working hard, then maybe figuring some stuff out, only to later realize the more work there is to do. This fortune is called adventure.   

Anna Badrieh