🌿 Embracing Detours on the Road to Your Dream Life

by Kristina Karlsson

I was so happy in a recent podcast episode to share a message I hold close to my heart. It’s inspired by a beautiful quote from Angela N. Blount:

“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”

Let that land for a moment. Isn’t it so true?

🚗 The Magic in a Wrong Turn

Just last Friday, I had one of those little life moments where this quote became my reality.

I was off on one of my Inspiration Friday adventures—a personal ritual I've re-started where I take myself on a solo road trip, explore a new walk, visit a Yoga or Pilates studio, and have coffee at a café I’ve never been to before.

But this time, I took a wrong turn.

And in that moment, I felt it: frustration bubbling up, that little voice saying, “Why weren’t you paying attention?” I was deep in an inspiring podcast and completely missed the sign.

But then I paused. I took a breath. And I remembered this quote.

“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”

So instead of rushing back to the “right” path, I leaned in. I let the detour unfold.

And guess what?

I stumbled upon a stunning lookout over Sydney Harbour—somewhere I’d never seen before.

I discovered cute new cafés and even a yoga studio I now can’t wait to visit. None of that would’ve happened if I hadn’t made that “mistake.”

✨ Life’s Detours Are Full of Lessons

That detour made me reflect. Over the years, I’ve experienced so many unexpected turns—both personally and in business—that ended up being pivotal.

I remember receiving incorrect samples from suppliers in my former business. At first, I was annoyed. But some of those “errors” turned out better than we imagined. there were many we approved and went to market with which became products people LOVED 💛

I’ve missed flights and then ended up next to the most inspiring people on the next one.

I've had plans fall through, only to discover something magical in their place.

That Friday, I journaled about it at the café I eventually made it to. I listed 20 detours in my life that changed everything—for the better.

📝 5 Ways to Embrace Life’s Detours

So if you’re navigating something unexpected right now, here are five mindset shifts that might help:

1. Pause Before Reacting
   When things go sideways, stop. Breathe. Ask, What could this detour be showing me?

2. Reframe the Moment
   Write it down. Journal your feelings. Often the silver lining is just waiting to be seen.

3. Trust the Timing
   You may not understand it now, but down the road, things often make beautiful sense.

4. Plan to Be Spontaneous
   Say yes to something unplanned. Drive a new route. Try a different café. Inspiration hides in the unfamiliar.

5. Let Go of Perfect Plans
   Your dream life isn’t about control—it’s about openness. Flexibility creates space for joy and serendipity.

🌻 A Journaling Prompt for You

This week, I invite you to sit down with this prompt:

“What was a detour in my life that led to something surprisingly wonderful?”

Reflect on it. You might uncover a story that changed you. And I would love for you to share your answer in our Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group. I’ll be there, cheering you on!

💛 Final Thoughts

Your dream life won’t always arrive in the exact package you expect. Sometimes, it’s tucked inside those “wrong” turns, hidden behind unexpected timing, or revealed through the strangers we weren’t meant to meet.

So here’s to the detours.

To the scenic routes.

To finding beauty where you didn’t plan to look.

And here’s to you—bravely walking your path, one beautifully imperfect step at a time. Just like we all do.

Until next time, dream big—and do one little thing today that moves you closer to your dream life 💛