We’re always in a rush to get somewhere. The next milestone, the next accomplishment, the next version of ourselves that finally feels like we’ve made it. But what if things aren’t meant to happen on our timeline? What if the detours, the pauses, and the slow seasons are just as necessary as the big leaps forward?
There’s something powerful about trusting the timing of your life. It’s not about sitting back and waiting for things to magically unfold—it’s about understanding that every step, even the frustrating ones, is shaping you in ways you can’t yet see.
I used to think that if I wasn’t moving fast, I wasn’t moving at all. But some of the most pivotal moments in my life have come from unexpected delays, from things not going according to plan. The opportunities that came at the "wrong" time ended up being the best ones. The pauses that felt like setbacks gave me the clarity I needed to pivot. The things I thought I wanted turned out to be distractions from what I actually needed.
But I’d be lying if I said I always had this perspective. There have been so many moments where I felt like I was behind. I’ve watched people around me hit major milestones—career advancements, relationships, life-changing opportunities—while I felt like I was running in place. I questioned if I had made the wrong choices, if I had somehow missed my moment.
One time in particular stands out. I was in my late twenties, feeling restless, feeling like I should be further ahead than I was. I had worked hard, followed the so-called "right" path, yet I wasn’t where I thought I should be. I resented the timing of my life. It felt unfair, like I had done everything I was supposed to do but wasn’t seeing the results. And in that frustration, I failed to see the beauty of where I actually was. I was so focused on what was missing that I overlooked what was present—amazing friendships, experiences that shaped me, opportunities that were quietly preparing me for what was to come.
And now, looking back, I regret not embracing those moments more. There were times when I had everything I needed, but I was too caught up in wishing for something else to realize it. The thing about life is that you don’t always know you’re in the right place at the right time until you have the hindsight to see it. I’ve learned that sometimes the things I once saw as delays were actually gifts. The job that didn’t happen led me to a better one. The relationship that ended made space for something healthier. The opportunity that slipped away wasn’t meant for me—and something better was.
So this year, I’m leaning into trust—trusting that if I’m doing the work, showing up, and staying open, the right things will unfold at the right time. No forced timelines. No comparison. Just a deep belief that what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.
If you’re feeling behind, if things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like, take a breath. You’re not late. You’re right on time.
Resources to Help You Trust the Timing:
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The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga – A refreshing take on embracing your own path.
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The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest – A guide to overcoming self-sabotage and trusting the process.
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When Things Don’t Go Your Way by Haemin Sunim – A beautifully written book about patience, resilience, and timing.
What’s something in your life that’s teaching you patience right now?