Embracing Life’s Unpredictable Destinations
In the upcoming 7-part series, we will select excerpts from my latest book, SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance, where we will explore the main protagonist, Steve Harmon’s indelible odyssey to a life of significance and impact. In each excerpt, we will examine the deeper meanings of his adventures, as well as possible practical applications of them in our lives.
This week, let’s begin with Part I of the book to dig deeper into Steve’s immediate introduction to life’s unpredictable and unexpected ways, and all the lessons they brought with them.
The beauty of our passage through life is that no matter how much we plan, process, and prioritise our routes, uncertain twists and turns are inevitable. Some are challenging, some are life-changing; some are daunting, and some are delightful. But none is more valuable than the other because each unpredictable twist and erratic turn is a stepping stone toward transformation.
This inevitability of life’s unpredictability is a central theme in the fable, where the main protagonist, Steve Harmon, weaves through a mesmerising tapestry of unpredictable moments that shape his existence. From the moment we are introduced to him, he takes us on a rollercoaster ride of professional and personal ups and downs. And just when we think he has it figured out, we are surprised with yet another test of his resilience and adaptability. From leg one to the last, his journey is filled with invaluable, teachable moments that lead him to the most unexpected destination!
Let’s begin our exploration with these excerpts from the book, which speaks to how Steve takes his first steps from Self to Selflessness:
“Steve picked up the fallen envelope and slipped it inside his shirt. He brushed the mud off his clothes, discovering that his pocket had been ripped off in the struggle. He lifted one leg out of his Armani loafers, which were now squishy with rainwater, to make sure he could still walk.
The moon peeked out from a pool of clouds, flooding the field in a wash of silver, illuminating the only possession he had left—the manila envelope. Steve walked, shuddering every time his expensive loafers squished in the rain puddles. After an hour of walking aimlessly down a desolate road, with just the wind rustling through the fields for company, he could, for the first time in a long time, hear his thoughts.
The above excerpt, taken from the opening pages, finds Steve drenched, disheartened, and stranded in an unfamiliar place with no end in sight. After a harrowing encounter with muggers in a foreign land he is left questioning, “Why me? Why here? Why Now?”. With all those questions still stirring in his head, a chance encounter with a kind-hearted father (Balwant) and son (Sukhbir) sparks the first leg of his unpredictable journey through one of the holiest shrines in India, the Golden Temple. A destination he never for a second, anticipated visiting. Yet, once immersed in its beautiful physical and spiritual surroundings, he is filled with an unexpected sense of peace, tranquility, and order. Feelings, until that point, were as foreign to him as the soil he stood upon.
Here’s a passage showing but one of the unanticipated lessons Steve learns about the power of Service while at the temple –
Despite the massive crowd of people milling about, the mood at Golden Temple was one of reflection and calm. Hymns reverberated. Children darted across the courtyard, laughing, while their families sat in groups talking softly. Some sat alone in silence, with their eyes closed.
Steve drifted casually along the walkway a couple of times, enjoying the touch of the cool marble beneath his feet and soaking in the atmosphere.
When Balwant and Sukhbir went inside the inner sanctum to receive the blessings, Steve sat on the steps by the pool, feet dangling in the water.
It had been less than a few hours since the robbery, and here he was on the steps of a pool at Golden Temple, his feet dangling in the water. Fish floated up to his feet, nibbling at his toes.
Later, at the shoe station, Steve returned the token, and the man with the blue turban brought out his shoes and placed them on the counter.
“My shoes!” Steve gasped. They looked gleaming new. The smell of polish lingered over them.
The man grinned, and Steve’s eyes welled up. It was as if the simple joy of receiving clean shoes had somehow restored a part of him.
Steve thanked him profusely and immediately felt his pocket for his wallet, eager to repay the act. He realized, yet again, that it wasn’t there.
The man folded his hands and shook his head like a disappointed father, looking at a child who had raided the cookie jar.
Balwant Singh gently nudged Steve back from the counter.
“I wish I could give him something … something to thank him for this.”
“But you have,” Balwant answered. “The opportunity to serve you. And that look in your eyes when you saw your shoes was the biggest gift of all.”
In dissecting just these two moments in Steve’s early encounters in an alien world, it is evident that life can, and will, lead us to and through destinations we could never fathom. Yet, if we embrace – as Steve did – the unpredictability of them, and treat the predicament as a pilgrimage, not a calamity, we can find powerful revelations, far beyond our prevailing imagination.
In a world that extols meticulously planned lives and itineraries, there’s a profound liberation in embracing the unpredictability of our journeys. Whether embarking on a spontaneous road trip, catching a last-minute flight to a new city, or veering off course in our career paths, these moments of uncertainty often yield the most transformative experiences and unforeseen destinations.
5 lessons to take away:
1. Thrill of the Unknown
Stepping into the unknown carries an exhilarating sense of adventure. It means leaving behind the safety of the familiar and embracing new territories without a strict roadmap. This approach isn’t just about seeking excitement; it’s a profound exercise in trust and openness. By embarking on journeys without rigid plans, every moment becomes an opportunity for discovery, and every encounter is a chance for growth.
2. Learn to Adapt
Embracing unpredictability fosters adaptability—a vital skill in navigating life’s twists and turns. When plans unravel, those who thrive are those who can pivot swiftly and effectively. Viewing setbacks as redirections rather than roadblocks encourages a problem-solving mindset, leading to innovative solutions and newfound paths.
3. Richer Experiences
Unexpected destinations often yield the most memorable experiences. Serendipitous encounters, hidden gems, and impromptu adventures enrich our lives in ways that meticulously planned itineraries cannot. These moments become cherished stories and lasting memories, woven into the fabric of our lives.
4. Personal Growth
Venturing into the unknown pushes us beyond our comfort zones, fostering significant personal growth. In moments of discomfort, we learn about our resilience, resourcefulness, and inner strength. Overcoming challenges in unpredictable situations shapes us into more capable, empathetic, and understanding individuals.
5. Beauty of Now
Embracing unpredictability teaches us the value of living in the present moment. When the future is uncertain, we learn to savour every experience, soaking in the richness of the present. This mindfulness allows us to appreciate the journey itself, recognizing that life’s beauty lies not only in the destinations we reach but in the moments that colour the journey.
In closing, while Steve’s infatuation with parlaying a predictable life offered him temporary comfort and perceived control, the magic he encountered when he allowed the unpredictability of life to open doors to new opportunities and perspectives was immense.
So, the next time you find yourself fixating on detailed plans, consider relinquishing control and allowing life to unfold organically. Embrace the beauty of uncertainty and the allure of unknown destinations, for it is on these unpredictable paths that we often discover the most profound truths—both about the world around us and the depths of our own selves.