Adjust the Sails

by Karen Lang, posted in Discovering your Destiny

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails— William Arthur Ward

We are travelling around Italy right now 🇮🇹

It’s been beautiful and warm and the water is divine. But not everyday is perfect! Travelling often has delays, crazy Italian drivers! or unexpected experiences that teach us patience.

I have always said if you want to gain more resilience in life then travel! And although I am very grateful our holiday so far has been easy, I have also learned how important it is to adapt to the ever changing flow of life.

When unexpected change arises, I often want to resist what is happening or find ways to fix it quickly, however, each time I allow myself to be with these moments and accept them as they are, I know I am stronger for the next experience I face, and I have learned to trust it will always pass.

Often we are not prepared when the strong winds of life suddenly arrive and adjusting our sails at the time is never easy, but when we slow down and take the time to breathe and allow this change, we will learn we have the skills we need and the stamina to move through it all.

Trust no matter what happens, you are stronger and more resilient than you know.

21 thoughts on “Adjust the Sails”

  1. Thanks for this post. I find myself living in adaptation. I just finished back-to-back travel (continentally not internationally), but it’s the time back at home and getting my daughter started at school and the new “settle down” that’s been the hardest for me. It’s probably because I don’t want to settle-down (or I’m conflicted because I do) but I want to be in movement. I find traveling makes me feel the most “alive.” Have a wonderful time. I love and miss Italy! 🇮🇹 I’m half Italian (my dad is first generation.) Take lots of care, my best regards, Ka!! 💕💕💕

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    1. You make such a good point Ka that what is difficult for one of us maybe easy for another. And when we discover what it is that we need to change or adjust to, we can flow with the changes of all life. No wonder I love you! You are part Italian! Brava Bella Ka. Italy is one of my favourite places in the world 🇮🇹💕💞🌈🇮🇹

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  3. Enjoy Italia! My father and family is rooted there. He emigrated to USA in the 1930’s and married my mom who lived in New York at the time. Setti Frate is his boyhood town.

    To your blog which is most valid, I leave you a quote from G.K. Chesterton; ” The pessimist is obviously given to despair. But the optimist, with his presumption, has also, in effect lost hope. The point about hope is that it is humble. It does not presume the thing that is hoped for.”

    So, it is wise to keep a hand on the tiller.

    -Alan

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    1. It’s so wonderful to grow up with diverse cultural influences and Italian is one of the best! 🇮🇹 I love the quote too, it’s so true. Thank you Alan, your wisdom is welcomed here 🙏🏻🌈

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  5. It is a journey those changes, testing our hearts in so many ways Karen. And eventually find the truth of what we are in those experiences. Great post kind lady, may it keep us fine tuned in that love 🤗❤️🙏

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    1. Yes love that Mark! Finding our true nature in the challenges of life. It’s true, because we don’t find it in our comfort zone. Thank you! Grazie Mille 🌿🙏🏻💕🇮🇹

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  6. Karen, what an important reminder. Whether sharing sails (because there is a destination or a timeframe) I’ve been learning to truly allow the winds to be, and relax in the flow of the moment I am in. Not always easy in this frenetic world as I watch things fall apart. And yet, I feel this is the lesson for me. Resistance is futile. And creates suffering.

    Be well as you enjoy your time in Italy. It’s always a treat to read your posts…and to enjoy your travels, too.

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    1. I too, have learned that resistance is futile! and the more I move with what is, and allow it to teach me, the more freedom I receive.

      Thank you Carrie, I am very grateful to be able to travel the world and experience the fullness and the learnings of life.

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  7. I really appreciated the wisdom of your words here today, Karen. Have a fun time in Italy, and yes, travel is a great tool for teaching us flexibility and patience. I always say travel keeps us young.

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  10. “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” I love this, and while I can see you enjoying the beauty of Italy, travel there (or anywhere) isn’t always easy these days. I love how you weave the wisdom of being present and accepting change, even when it arrives unexpectedly. Wishing you many more beautiful journeys (and smooth sailings!) as you continue to explore.

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