Advice for creatives no. 7 | It is a mistake to look too far ahead.

It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time. (Winston Churchill) 

If there's any lesson that's struck true to me lately, it's this: that we can't predict, anticipate, and plan for the infinite possibilities of the future. As much as I like to set up structures and routines for myself and my growth as an artist, I try to remember to let myself trust in the unfolding mystery that is my life.  

From the bit of research I did, I saw that Winston Churchill said this line during a speech he gave at the House of Commons on February 27th, 1945 (an epic moment for an epic quote). It applies to anticipating the outcome of world wars as much as it does to little things. 

What will I be doing 6 months from now, a year from now, three years from now? How will my business be doing? What kind of work will I be making? How will I feel about my art? Where will I have traveled? Who will I have met? How will I feel about my life, my relationships, my personhood? Sometimes when these questions overwhelm me, I think back to this quote, and try to let go a little.