What would life be like if, rather than willing it to conform to our design only to end up in despair, we simply said “YES” to its will — collaborating with, rather than resisting, the centrifugal force of the heart, the angular momentum of memory, the gravity of change?

“YES” to the necessary losses.

“YES” to the fear that signals growth.

“YES” to the death of the dream of perfection.

Adapted from How to Say “Yes” to Life by Maria Popova

Reflections

To live a life true to oneself is to follow your interests, with passion and vigor, and resist the urge to stop and question if you’re on the right path. If you’re following your interests, you’re on the right path.

The path of life only reveals itself in the rearview mirror. Don’t waste time searching for a map that doesn’t exist.

Listen to your heart — your life force, the source of knowing and inspiration.

Say “YES” to its faint whispers. Go forth with courage. Say “YES” to life.

—

And so begins the daily practice of collaborating with, rather than forcing, life.

We are but vessels which hold a life that is capable of saying “YES” to itself: “a life needful of constant reminding that all things forced are false and fragile.” — Maria Popova