In this week’s reflection on “destiny,” I gravitated towards David Whyte’s description of “the everyday conversational essence of destiny: our future influenced by the very way we hold the conversation of life itself.”

Destiny is shaped one step, one conversation, one moment at a time.

It’s a co-creation between us and the universe.

We don’t know exactly how it will unfold, but we can help shape it.

How do we hold that conversation?

* Start by befriending yourself.

The seeds of our destiny are within us. We are either born with the seeds (our temperament) or they’re embedded as a result of our experiences. It’s up to us to become aware of those seeds and then decide how to nurture them. Notice what moves you, intrigues you, and even what makes you angry.

Todd Henry, in this podcast, recommends asking yourself the following questions — When am I moved with compassionate anger (you want to make something right)? When am I moved emotionally? What gives me irrational hope? What are my obsessions?

Where are the commonalities in your answers? Noticing and acknowledging what resonates most deeply with us begins to shape our destiny in that direction.

* Start taking small, daily steps.

Take small, daily steps to develop the skills or knowledge necessary to shape the conversation in your life and notice the opportunities that arise as a result. Time and patience are essential. It takes daily and persistent work to shape the conversation in the direction you feel called. Take one step at a time, surrender the outcome, and stay open. Your destiny will unfold.

The possibility of fulfilling destiny’s promise may depend upon a brave participation, a willingness to hazard ourselves in a difficult world, a certain form of wild generosity with our gifts; a familiarity with our own depth, our own discovered, surprising breadth and always, a long practiced and robust vulnerability equal to what any future may offer. ~ David Whyte, Consolations

Todd Henry’s new book is called Louder than Words: Harness the Power of your Authentic Voice.

** Books mentioned have Amazon or Bookshop affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.