But what does that even mean? Let’s dive into this….
Going with the flow is one of those phrases that people use as a form of self flattery. “I’m so chill I can just go with the flow!” or “I just go with the flow. That’s how not drama I am!” But let’s be honest… those who are self proclaimed goers of the flowers and drama haters are sometimes the MOST DRAMATIC PEOPLE WE KNOW! You know why? Well, I’ll tell ya.
We are rushing to get to the same place as fast as we can. We bump into each other, go over each other, and are all up in each others business.
Now let’s become human again. Going with the flow you are essentially allowing yourself to get sucked up in other peoples flows aka messed upness. Creating your flow, on the other hand, has some major and important differences. It’s important to recognize these differences and adopt them because going with other peoples crazy flows only makes you crazy. Or maybe put you in a dangerous situation…?
Let us continue…. Creating your flow is when you find what, in life, brings you true joy. Who here has seen the movie “Runaway Bride”? Remember her whole conundrum of the eggs? Essentially, she’s almost been married a bunch of times and then this one guy, is like “what are your favorite eggs?” and she’s has no answer for him because she has always just adopted the favorite egg type of whoever she was with! In the end, he just calls her lost and she calls it changing her mind.
Whether it be with trying to please our parents with our academic pursuits even though you want to be a world renowned artist. Or your buddies by being a bully even though you’re naturally a tender and sweet person. Maybe your trying to impress your friends by doing drugs even though you really don’t enjoy it. Or maybe you are trying to please your significant other by getting rushed into their flow when it’s not really what you want but… you know… they’re really a good person or you’re the only person who understands them.
I spent almost every dating relationship doing what the other wanted, being on their timeline, and not speaking up for myself because I didn’t want to hurt their precious feelings. I eventually dropped all pretenses when I met my now husband.
Pre-date number one I told him point blank what I expect out of relationships, what my non-negotiables were, and my timeline. Patrick was so wowed and appreciative of my straightforward honest and knowledge of myself, that he agreed to my things, shared his and dated we did! After traveling to five countries, eventually we wed!
Patrick and I are most excellent at navigating the uncertain waters of traveling. More often than not, our plans are a bit foiled and we have to reevaluate our plans. And more often than not, what we end up doing turns out to be AMAZING!!!!
Enjoy life at your speed at your level on your terms!
Great advice. Everyone should read this.
Love that mantra: Create your own flow! And traveling is a great way to put into practice. Some of our most memorable experiences are when we’re on our way to someplace else.
I’ve always thought of our family as going against the flow, but I love your concept of creating your own flow. I think that more accurately captures our approach to life. People don’t know how to categorize us because of that, but we’re fine with it. 🙂 Let them keep their labels.
Great advice here, although I don’t often go with the flow when traveling or…anything really. I’m a planner, but I plan some downtime–ha! I think it’s great when you know what you want.
So good! I love creating my own flow.
Love the thoughts…
I love this and I love creating my own flow. You are also absolutely correct about the go with the flow people!
I couldn’t agree more!
Love this post!!! Thank you for sharing
My husband and I take a couple “road” trips a year. We usually have a destination but as for what we do along the way I always thought of it as “going with the flow” but I believe we actually “make our own flow”. We are not doing what others do, we do what we want, when we want, how we want.
It’s surely food for thought 😉
Great advice! Me and my boyfriend aren’t “typical” and we get flack for it, but it works for us so we just ignore it but that can be hard to do! What a great reminder!
Excellent advice – sometimes I think we just need to stop and think about what’s really important to us and not get caught up in other’s expectations.
Way to stand up for yourself! Create your own flow is a concept worth noting.
I liked the cheesy salad. 🙂
This is a great article. When I was younger, I tended to go more with the flow. Now, I want to create my own. I compromise and it isn’t always my way, but I also need to protect my energy. I try to avoid negativity at all costs.
I love this! And also the pizza looked pretty yummy.
Excellent advice for sure! I used to be a follower in my younger days but now I create my own flow.
Agree, life is absolutely what you make of it. Everything I have is from my own blood, sweat, & tears- Anything worth having takes sacrifice.
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