This should be one of the slogans of the World Race: “If you like to know what’s going on in advance, you’re in trouble.” In fact, the more questions you ask, the fewer answers your going to get.
We wake up everyday with little to no idea what lies ahead of us. If we are given a glimpse into the future, more often then not, it’s going to change and look completely different by the time we arrive at our destination. It’s not that our hosts are unorganized or lack leadership, but much of the time none of us can control what life throws our way. All plans must remain subject to wiggle room. On the Race, wiggle room for trucks to break down, miscommunication to happen, and sometimes, God changes the plan. This lifestyle can drive a person mad. And that’s where my problem begins.
I enjoy knowing even the smallest details. In the past I’ve relied on knowing what my day is going to consist of. Now, increasingly, not knowing is fine too. Honestly, at this point, I’d rather not know (since I’m betting on it changing at some point anyways). Why waste my time getting mentally prepared for anything at this point? Why take the time to expend energy and mental capacity on something that probably wont even happen?
For me this is easy. Going with the flow comes naturally to me. “It is – what it is,” I always say. Or, “Why stress about something we have no control over.” Though this mindset comes easy to me. It isn’t always the best way to go about things in my life. I’ve definitely ended up in some negative situations because of it, or have missed out on opportunities. And, if I’m honest, a “not-caring” attitude is a cushion against disappointment.
My challenge isn’t the schedule. My challenge isn’t to sit back and let my day unfold in front of me. My challenge happens to be those around me.
I don’t know how to help my friends that are struggling with the daily lack of information and direction as well as the constant sporadic changes. I believe that my relaxed personality usually comes off as, careless, detached, and uninterested. People often think I couldn’t care less. The reality is, I could, because I really do care.
So here’s my challenge: to not let my relaxed attitude or laid-back nature be misunderstood as not caring. Sure, it’s a protection against disappointment. Sure, it helps me deal with the unending changes thrown our way. But it’s become misunderstood, and that’s on me. I need to do better. I need to be flexible and engaged, even when constant change occurs.
That is where I stand. I’m living in an inconvenient balance of care and care less. With no words to help those around me that are lost in the unknown day to day of our lives, also known as The World Race – Out to change the World…and us too.
