Wandering and personal growth

Reflections from my guest Thomas Burns

Earlier today, I released my third episode of the Functionally Imperative Podcast with guest Thomas Burns. In the interview, I asked, “I know that this journey … did it always feel like you were focused, or did it feel meandering at times?” And I love his response:

Oh, of course, you meander. I wouldn't say meander, though. I would say the word is you are wandering. … Wandering, I think, is a beautiful concept because you are putting yourself in a position where you are not searching so much as allowing yourself, making yourself available to new discovery, both in yourself and discovering other things.

The overarching theme in our conversation was around charting your own path, taking calculated risks, following your curiosity, and giving yourself room to just wander. I know I’ve done a lot of wandering in my life up to this point.

Looking back I have this clear narrative of my personal journey, but I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today if I hadn’t done plenty of wandering along the way. I also hope to wander some more as I continue to grow as a husband, a father, and in my creative persuits.

I really enjoy conversations like these with deeply curious and creative folks who have followed unconventional paths in life. I post all of these conversations on Substack Podcast Feed and on my YouTube channel. I’ve found my theme and focus is in the autotelic pursuits of my guests and its something I’ll continue to explore in the future. I hope you enjoy.