You Cannot Run From What You Must Be
Truth is, no matter how far or fast we run, we cannot escape the inevitability of becoming who we must be.

Reflections #23
For the past few weeks, I’ve been completely absorbed by Season 3 of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video. It’s finally out, and as a fan of Robert Jordan’s legendary series, I can’t get enough of the blend of magic, mythology, and adventure. The storytelling has so much depth, but one line from episode 4 stuck with me: “You cannot run from what you must be.” That phrase resonated deeply, prompting me to pause and reflect on its meaning in my own life. I wrote it down in my journal and placed it on my desk to dive into its significance.
As I pondered this idea, I recognized a fundamental truth about purpose. It seems like everywhere I turn—through articles, talks, and videos—people discuss how to discover our purpose. Yet, from my perspective, it’s not something we need to find; it’s something to uncover, layer by layer; it’s already woven into the fabric of who we are. It’s reflected in our values and how we interact with the world around us—our connections with others and moments of solitude. Those interactions often reveal our true selves when we share our lives with others. And in moments of silence, we usually uncover even more about who we are. Along with these come natural talents and interests. These shape our purpose, and we easily fall into who we are meant to be.
Isn’t it interesting how we often seek answers outside ourselves, only to realize that we’ve had them within us all along? We may feel we’re looking for something new and exciting, but we often return to the same inner calling.
The line, “You cannot run from what you must be,” reminded me that my path aligns with all I AM BEING. I’ve noticed that when we embrace our authentic selves, others reflect the qualities they perceive in us. I often hear things like, “I feel at peace when I’m around you,” or, “Your words resonate with me.” These reflections aren’t mere compliments; they are gentle nudges reminding us that our purpose is already alive within us, encouraging us to share our unique gifts with the world around us.
We are each other’s mirrors, reflecting the guidance we need to navigate life’s journey. During our interactions, there lies a hidden language—a subtle dance of words, tone, and energy that can either nudge us forward or hold us back. When we’re aware, we can decipher this language, allowing the answers we seek to reveal themselves in the most unexpected ways.
Have you ever stopped to notice the synchronicities, the whispers of wisdom that arise from your conversations, the people you meet, and your experiences? Perhaps a friend’s casual comment sparked a new perspective, or a stranger’s story resonated deeply with your journey.
Each person plays a unique role, holding a piece of the puzzle that helps us uncover our purpose, passions, and path. Just like in The Wheel of Time, by acknowledging and honoring these roles, each character can tap into the collective wisdom surrounding them, allowing them to navigate life’s twists and turns with greater ease, clarity, and purpose.
Awareness of the restlessness
We feel a peculiar sense of restlessness when we’re out of alignment. It feels as if our innermost self is trying to guide us, pushing us to leap into becoming our best selves. Our purpose is tied to who we are, but fear, doubt, and uncertainty can hold us back, making us want to flee the unknown.
I can personally relate to this struggle. There have been times when I’ve tried fitting into molds that didn’t resonate with me or conforming to expectations that didn’t align with my values. The more I resisted my true nature, the more suffocating it felt to live someone else’s life instead of mine. But what if the things we’re trying to escape are the keys to unlocking our true potential? What if the darkness that frightens us is where we find the light to guide us forward?
I’ve understood that our inner world is a vast, uncharted territory with hidden wisdom, intuition, and creativity. It’s a realm where our deepest desires, values, and passions meet, whispering secrets of our soul’s deepest longings. For me, this inner exploration has been a journey of surrender, of letting go of the need for external validation and, instead, learning to trust the gentle nudges of my internal compass, which is the guiding system that’s always been with me waiting to be acknowledged, waiting to illuminate my path to my highest potential.
We cannot escape from who we are meant to be. Our authentic selves will always find a way to emerge, demanding our attention and recognition. Real magic unfolds when we finally surrender to this process, stop resisting, and start embracing.
So, I invite you to take a deep breath, listen deeply, listen to the whispers of your heart, and embark on the beautiful journey of becoming who you are meant to be if you’re not there yet. It might not be easy, but I can promise you it will be worthwhile.
When you finally align yourself with your true purpose, stop running, and start embracing who you are, you will learn to appreciate the incredible beauty, strength, and resilience within you. And in that moment, you will realize you were always meant to be exactly who you are, in all your imperfect, magnificent glory.
Trust the wisdom that lies within. Pay attention to your internal compass. Listen closely to the whispers. You already know the answers. The challenge lies not in finding it but in recognizing it.
The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are. ~ Carl Jung
Thank you for reading.
May the flow be with you now and always! 🙏🏽
With love,
Yoli
Thanks for reading The Art of Flow! If you enjoy reading, please show your support by liking ❤️ and sharing your thoughts in the comments. If you would like to support my work with a donation, you can do so HERE or buying my book The Art of Flow: 40 Reflections on Being Fully Present. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and engagement. This post is public so feel free to share it.
So well said! Beautiful❤️
Thank you Yolanda. Beautiful and true. ❤️🙏🏼