A life’s work is not a series of stepping- stones, onto which we calmly place our feet, but more like an ocean crossing where there is no path, only a heading, a direction, in conversation with the elements. Looking back we see the wake we have left as only a brief glimmering trace on the waters.

David Whyte on “Ambition” in Consolations  

As the new year brings a spate of personal resolutions, I found Whyte’s thoughts on meaningful life work particularly affecting.