If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn't have that crazy story to tell.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t have gotten a flat tire. Or have ever learned how to change one on your own.

If things went exactly as planned.

You would not be driving that car, or taking that bus, or on that plane.

You wouldn’t have changed your major. Multiple times.

You wouldn’t have quit that job. That job that made you miserable.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t have dropped out of school.

You wouldn’t have found your dream job. That job that you absolutely adore.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t have been late.

You wouldn’t have bumped into the woman you spent the rest of your life with.

If things went exactly as planned.

Those kids you see playing down the street in their yard every Sunday afternoon.

They simply would not exist.

If things went exactly as planned.

There would be no second chances.

You never would have failed. Or learned how to try again.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t know forgiveness.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t have a choice.

If things went exactly as planned.

You would have never called off your wedding. You wouldn’t have saved yourself from a lifetime of regret.

If things went exactly as planned.

There would be no chaos. There would be no excitement.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn't have gotten lost.

You wouldn't have met your best friend.

If things went exactly as planned

You would never have experienced heartbreak.

You would never have experienced growth.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t know loss.

You wouldn’t know what it feels like to be empty. Or what it feels like to be full.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn't appreciate simplicity.

If things went exactly as planned.

You would have never learned how to take care of yourself on your own.

If things went exactly as planned.

You would have never learned how to love yourself on your own.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t know suffering.

You would have no gratitude.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t have watched your mother become the toughest person you know.

You wouldn’t have seen your fathers compassion.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn’t have experienced your worst.

You wouldn’t know what true unequivocal love is.

If things went exactly as planned.

You would never have felt the love from others that were hurting too.

If things went exactly as planned.

You would never have felt pain. Or any of its beauty.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn't know empathy.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn't have scattered a few pieces of yourself. Just to realize when you put them back together you picked up more than you had lost.

If things went exactly as planned.

You wouldn't have quite the vocabulary you do now.

You wouldn't have the insight.

You wouldn't have had the guts.

You wouldn't have had the strength.

You wouldn’t have fought.

You wouldn't have the memories.

The conversations.

The people.

The stories.

You wouldn't have much at all.

You wouldn't be right here at this moment.

You wouldn't know yourself.

You wouldn't be you.

If things went exactly as planned,

You might have wished you'd changed your plans sooner.