Flow Over Perfection, On Purpose!

Birthdays have always been a big deal to me. I usually love planning everything, technically forcing people to do wild trips, organize details, book places, and create a fun time. But this year felt different. In the best way.

Instead of planning, I decided to let myself go with the flow. Plus, how much of the future can I really plan for, right?

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So, on my bd weekend, I ended up at a downtown event, the South by Southeast Festival, where they were hosting a salsa workshop and social dancing. On a whim, I joined. And just like that, I fell head over heels (literally, almost) for it.

It wasn’t my first time. I’d taken a few beginner lessons in the past. But this time, I found myself excited to learn again, not for perfection, but for the pure joy of it. (and maybe so that I can confidently dance with randos in a salsa festival in Europe.)

Next day, I went to play beach volleyball. Did I play well? Absolutely not. Did my hands hurt like hell after? Oh, for sure. But I showed up; for the vibe, the movement, and a little calorie burn.

And somewhere between all that sweat and sand, I realized: I actually like being active. Not for discipline. Not for aesthetic goals. Just for the feel-good energy. I should definitely do it more often.

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Now, I know these are early days, and those are highly motivated thoughts. Consistency might be a whole other story. 

But the point is, as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I try to live life with a detailed step-by-step roadmap, where all odds are considered and well thought-out. It helps me stay in control, prepared, and efficient. Flowing with the unexpected? That’s always been hard for me.

However, I’m starting to see the value of trusting the flow. As a wise person says, some of the best moments and people come from the detours you never planned. 

And I think I’ve learned to meet life halfway: I still make plans, and try as hard as possible to follow. But I also understand that sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. And when they don’t, that’s not failure; that’s flow.

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Honestly, really going with the 100% flow? It feels wild to me. It’s like strolling in a forest with no map or a compass. And hoping you will accidentally find something meaningful. 

Maybe you’ll find some hidden gems along the way. But eventually, when you are tired and look for direction, you might realize…you’re nowhere.

Suddenly, a life that looks full from the outside feels like it’s missing something deeper, maybe purpose, intention, or anchor.

But let’s be real, those are big words.

Those sound perfect on paper. I merely know how to say them wisely. But living with them? That’s where it gets tricky. In real life, clarity isn’t always available on demand. Meaning doesn’t show up with a big sign. In fact, Most days, I’m just doing my best not to lose myself in the echo of others.

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Still, when things are uncertain, I think the wisest thing we can do is listen to those who came before us, people whose lives were truly worth knowing. And they almost always say the same thing:

Live a life with purpose.

As I’m thinking, it’s not just a nice-sounding phrase. It’s how I am trying to show up in the world…intentionally, authentically, and with a deep commitment to meaning.

My understanding of purpose is different, though. It is not a destination…it’s a way of being. It’s the “why” behind what I do, how I love, who I believe in, and the legacy I hope to leave behind.

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Though…what I’m truly learning is Flow Over Perfection, On Purpose!.

For a long time, I thought life was about achieving certain milestones…school, career, finance, and relationships. And while all those things matter, those are not the whole story. As I said earlier, purpose doesn’t always show up with fanfare. Sometimes it whispers. It shows up in small decisions, quiet resilience, and choosing growth over comfort.

For instance, every time I publish something that feels too honest, like this piece, I get a tiny twinge of ‘Maybe this is too much.’ But I hit the post anyway. Because part of my purpose is healthily expressing myself, even when it stings a little. Growth is rarely comfortable. But purpose lives in those moments where your message feels slightly braver than your ego would prefer.

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Living with purpose means being willing to ask the hard questions:

• Am I doing what matters to me?
• Does this align with the values I hold?
• Am I living for something bigger than myself?

The answers aren’t always clear, but the search itself is where purpose begins.

It’s not about having it all figured out.

Obviously, I don’t have all the answers. And I don’t think anyone really does. But what I have is a desire to be intentional with whatever I do. Intention to live life that reflects values that matter to me…Integrity, empathy, courage with a pinch of playfulness. 

So yes, I didn’t plan this birthday. But maybe that was the whole point. Maybe the purpose isn’t found in the perfectly articulated plan. I think it is found in showing up, being curious, and trusting that even the unplanned moments are leading somewhere.