It Takes As Long As It Takes (for a reason)

Double Rainbow in North Dakota Photo by Lydia Bear Ishmael

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So much happens on the way.
On the way to the wedding.
On the way to finishing that manuscript.
On the way to your ideal life.
On the way to figuring things out.
On the way to making a decision.
On the way to enlightenment.
On the way to forgiveness.
On the way to our death.

We often believe in an ultimate arrival—a moment when everything finally makes sense and comes together. But in my experience, there’s no final arrival. When we reach a destination, some kind of conclusion, it’s fleeting because another horizon calls us forward.

Most people come to me as a mentor and therapist because they feel stuck. They’re waiting for that final moment of clarity. But life isn’t about final moments. Life is always forward-facing—even into death. Life means movement, growth, always with a new horizon unfolding before us.

On the way, things want to happen. Events, discoveries, synchronicities—they emerge unexpectedly. It’s important not to rush to a conclusion. Instead, appreciate the surprises and insights that might change your direction. That’s why I encourage you to embrace how “things take as long as they take.” Focus on the present experience and give attention to who and what shows up on your way.

Write about what you’re on your way to, and where you are right now.

Write about all your arrivals—make a list. What had to happen to arrive there? What inner transformation accompanied your external arrival?
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Contemplate what you’re on your way to next. What makes up your horizon? What action becomes possible from this contemplation?