Life has momentum.  Without intention, we end up somewhere we would not have chosen if we had foreseen the outcome.  Teach intention early. Talk about choices and why they are important.

What Would You Be Doing If You Didn’t Get Caught Up In Things 

Getting caught up in life is a weird argument we tend to use to justify our state of probably being-a-bit-too-busy-and-not-too-happy. It is a terrible joke we play on ourselves that lets us continuously do unproductive and useless stuff.

While we are aware of our inertia most of the time, we don’t always realize how much potentially great/ productive/ valuable/ useful or just time we are wasting “being busy” (with work, with friends, saving or spending, watching TV or travelling).

Being busy is a choice and we don’t need to be busy to gain importance. Because if you are too busy to do something you actually want to do or meet someone you actually want to see, then you have a big problem with prioritizing and organizing your life.

If you find yourself constantly having to postpone something because “other things come up”, maybe it is not your priority and you don’t actually want to do it. Simple. Your mental picture becomes so much more uncluttered and clear when you do things that you deem important and see people that you want to see.  Don’t be caught up and then you might find time for an opportunity that can change your life.

Life doesn't always give us what we want, but it sure gives us what we need. It's funny how that happens. Sometimes, we're so sure about how things are supposed to play out that we fight, kicking and screaming, any deviation of the plan that comes our way. Oddly enough, the more we resist, the more it persists and the harder we make it on ourselves. It's like trying to swim upstream against a strong current. Our arms and legs move furiously, but we get nowhere. We end up completely exhausted and out of breath.

While I truly believe that the choices we make and even the thoughts we think all matter greatly and affect the outcome of our existence, I also believe there is also another force at work and our role is actually more of a co-creator in our own lives. We all have unique gifts to offer the world, and certain passions that lie inside of us wanting to get out. This is our soul's work. Our calling. It's what makes us feel totally alive. The universe wants and needs us to do this work. In our daily lives, we're constantly given signs to try to lead us to our higher self, enabling us to leave a positive impact on the world.

But, here's the thing. We don't always pay attention to the clues because we think we already have it all figured out! And even if we do kind of sort of have it figured out, sometimes the plan changes and evolves, whether we want it to or not.  But, alas, as soon as I quit resisting, things started to fall into place in a beautiful way! And best of all, while all of this shifting was going on, I finally listened to the voice inside encouraging me to pursue my love.  As new opportunities continue to blossom, I can see that I was being guided all along!

So, the moral of the story: When things seem to be crashing all around you and everything seems to be going wrong, take these four tips to heart:

Don't panic. It's hard not to in the moment, but know that you are being guided. The universe has a plan for you. Pay attention for the signs. Let go of your own preconceived notion of how your life is supposed to pan out and ease into the flow. Get out of your head and learn to listen to your heart and soul speaking.

Don't be afraid to crumple up the plan and start anew. Vision and planning are great. Essential, even. But write the plan in pencil instead of permanent marker. You never know when you are going to need that eraser and to get working on plan B, C, D or E.

Keep smiling. Life and time are precious. Don't waste your moments. If the big picture is feeling imperfect, then find the perfection in the little things. Find the joy, which exists all around us.

Look for the silver lining. Tough times build some serious character. They make you more resilient and you bounce back even stronger and wiser. Just tell yourself "this is not how the story is meant to end" and keep pushing through.

Remember, the universe has your back. Instead of trying to control the outcome, just enjoy the journey. Pay attention to where you are being guided to!