Rumi’s poetry often reads like a roadmap to a rich interior life, paving a path to finding joy in sorrow, clarity in confusion, and, in this quote, optimism in uncertainty. Born in the 13th century in present-day Afghanistan, the spiritual influencer was a preeminent figure in Sufi mysticism. His vast body of work blended profound spirituality with practical wisdom, and though most of it was originally composed in Persian, its translations have traversed cultures and centuries. Here, Rumi extolls the unknown not as something to fear, but as something alive with possibility. The more we let go of control, the more space we make for discovery, transformation, and connection. Uncertainty is a constant part of life, so it’s best to embrace it with awe and wonder, allowing it to be a guide instead of a roadblock.

Artist-activist Ai Weiwei is known for his provocative performances and outspoken critiques of systems of power. Speaking critically of the educational system in his native China — and, perhaps, elsewhere — Ai has said, “Kids are put through a strong social-educational process that makes it impossible to develop unique thinking. The competition is like a tunnel from which there is no escape. That makes society simple and maybe even effective, but it’s not human.” Ai’s work, which has documented the constrained movements of Chinese citizens under surveillance by the government, among other topics, reminds us not to take for granted our freedom of expression, or let the pressure to conform to social structures stamp out our innate creativity. The loss of freedom, he argues, is akin to a loss of our humanity itself.

Few actors have enjoyed a more prolific and sustained career than Dame Julie Andrews, who took home the Academy Award for her feature film debut in 1964's "Mary Poppins." Andrews became an overnight sensation for that role, and her renown was only further solidified through her acclaimed portrayal of Maria von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" the following year. Her rapid ascension to stardom adds extra weight to this quote, which she gave in a 1966 interview with "This Week" magazine. While we all strive for success, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by our achievements, and many of us forget to stop and appreciate those little nuggets of happiness along the way. As life goes on, don't wait until the only option is to reminisce about the past; instead, pause, draw a breath, and take in the moment.