Are You Fighting the Current of Your Own Life?

The first time (and only time) I went white-water rafting, I remember gripping the paddle so tightly my knuckles turned white. The rapids looked wild, the rocks menacing. (I’m the one in the pink jacket, a look of terror on my face.) My instinct was to fight—to dig in harder, steer harder, control the water. But no matter how fiercely I paddled, the river had the final say. AND, the river knew the way.

Life as a River

What if we thought of life the same way?

Sometimes it’s calm and gentle, smooth as glass. Other times, it surges forward, tossing us into rapids we didn’t ask for. There are calm pools, unexpected bends, and the occasional rock that seems to appear out of nowhere.

When we resist—when we fight against what’s happening—it can feel exhausting! Struggling doesn’t change the river’s course; it only makes the ride harder.

Flowing Instead of Fighting

But what if we could practice floating with the current? I find that things shift. Life feels easier, lighter. The current carries me forward, sometimes even to places and opportunities I never could have planned.

And when I follow my enthusiasm or curiosity (aligning with the current), taking action feels less forced or heavy. It feels natural, energizing—even joyful.

Trusting the Raft

Ready to take this idea to the next level? What if we trusted the current, we trusted that the “world is out to do me good.” It might feel like we’re navigating the river in a sturdy rubber raft. Even when the river gets rough, the raft holds us, protects us, and bounces us off the rocks. We’re still moving forward, still safe, even when the ride feels turbulent.

A Gentle Reflection

This analogy resonates with me and helps me rethink my perspective and how I can shift my thinking. If it resonates with you, consider –

Where are you fighting against the current right now?What would it feel like to relax and float instead?Can you trust that the river knows where it’s taking you?

The river is always moving. The question is—will we resist, or will we flow?