Going with the Flow: Finding Joy and Peace in the Moment

Have you ever had everything perfectly planned out, only for it all to fall apart? The frustration builds, and before you know it, you’re tangled in the mess of unmet expectations. I’m not just talking about big life events, but even the small, everyday things—like a weekend filled with a list of tasks: grocery shopping, laundry, maybe a child’s activity. How do you react when things don’t go according to plan? Do you tense up, start blaming yourself, and wonder what you could have done differently?

The feeling of losing control can be overwhelming. Your mind races with “I should’ve done this differently” or “I need to salvage what’s left.” But what if, instead of clinging to control, you just went with the flow? What if you laughed off the blunders and let the day unfold as it is? What if you could let go of the guilt and simply experience the moment?

I’ve realized that true enjoyment comes not when we try to control everything, but when we surrender to the flow. Here’s what I mean:

The Power of Going with the Flow: Letting Go of Control

I recently had a weekend where I planned to clean out some disorganized spaces in my house. But after a fun event on Saturday, I knew my energy levels would be low when I got home. I decided to save the cleanup for Sunday. When Sunday rolled around, the weather had completely shifted my mood, so instead of tackling my to-do list, I opted to curl up with a book.

Then, I did something I hadn’t planned on—I placed an Instacart order. For dinner, I felt inspired to make jambalaya, but when I called a friend for a recipe, my daughter declared she wasn’t in the mood for it. So there I was—plans scrapped, and I felt like the wind was taken out of my sails. But instead of pushing forward, I reminded myself: what does a boat do when there’s no wind? It goes with the flow. It bobs along, soaking in the sky, with no agenda, no rush.

So, I chose to surrender to the flow of the day. I ended up cooking a soup I had meant to make the previous week. It was fun—nothing was forced. I danced around the kitchen while the soup simmered, enjoying the process. The music was perfect, and the wine in the soup became my excuse to pour myself a glass or two. The evening turned into a joyful experience. By the next day, I was able to make the jambalaya for lunch—and guess who ended up loving it? My daughter!

Trusting the Process and Finding Peace in Chaos

I often have to remind myself: what kind of day am I having today? Am I trying to assert control, or am I allowing myself to go with the flow? I’ve found that when I lean into going with the flow, my day turns out so much better.

It’s not about avoiding responsibility or giving up on goals. It’s about recognizing when we’re fighting against the current. Sometimes, it’s better to take a step back, breathe, and trust that things will unfold as they should. When we do this, we find peace in chaos and can embrace the joy of living in the moment.

Finding Joy in the Journey: A Metaphor for Letting Go

Imagine you and a friend are standing at the edge of a river. Your goal is to get to the other side, and you have a map that shows an upstream route that seems faster. You’re determined to reach the other side, so you set off—analyzing the terrain, planning each step.

The temperature is perfect, and you feel confident. But soon, the terrain narrows, and you find yourself walking in the river, slipping on rocks. You’re frustrated, your legs are sore, and your ankle is aching. But you push through, making it to your goal, only to discover that your friend took a different path.

Your friend is soaking wet, but she’s smiling, laughing, and full of joy. “How did you get here so quickly?” you ask. She replies, “I just let the river take me. It was wonderful! The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and I didn’t fight it. I just trusted the process.”

You’re dumbfounded. How could she reach the same destination without struggling, without the pain, and with so much joy?

This moment reveals an important lesson: We often think that reaching our goals requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication. But the biggest challenge in going with the flow is not the obstacles we face—it’s surrendering. By letting go and trusting the process, we can still reach our destination, and we can enjoy the ride along the way.

Journal Prompt: Living in the Moment

Think back to a time when you could have gone with the flow. How would that have looked? This week, if you find yourself about to lose your *ish, pause. Ask yourself: “What would it look like if I just went with the flow here?” Notice how you feel afterward.

For me, this often means asking: “Can I really do nothing? Will the world fall apart if I don’t do XYZ?” And then, I take a big exhale, lean in, and trust the flow.

About Ignite Your Life

Hi, I’m Christa, and I help moms like you navigate life’s challenges, rediscover their passions, and build fulfilling lives through personalized coaching and transformative courses. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a more joyful, connected, and empowered version of yourself, I’d love to work with you. Learn about my life coaching services or sign up for one of my self-love and confidence courses. Let’s do this together!