What's Really Possible Blog

Life Lessons from a Surprising Source

Written by Jill Konrath | Oct 14, 2026, 2:00:00 PM

Walking along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River is my quiet time. It’s peaceful, introspective. That’s where I go for fresh perspectives and new ideas.

I put on my sneakers and sunscreen, then head out the door. In just three minutes, I’m ambling along the river pathway.

Sometimes I plop down on a bench to reflect. Other times, I cross the bridges; things always look different on the other side.

Best of all, the river graciously shares its advice with me. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Life Lessons from a River

Channel your energy into areas that excite you.

When you’re in the flow, stay in the flow.

Going upstream will be much more challenging.

Prepare yourself for the occasional falls.

Enjoy the rapids; they’re often short-lived.

When encountering obstacles, just go around them.

Take time for reflection; it gives you valuable insights.

Meander occasionally to expose yourself to different ideas.

Acknowledge those who’ve helped you become mighty.

Take care of me; our lives are intertwined.

Most of all, enjoy the journey.

CUTE PIC & INTERESTING FACTS

The Mississippi River starts as a tiny, shallow stream that flows out of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. Here’s a photo of my grandma walking me across it when I was two years old.

From there, the mighty Mississippi flows 2350 miles through the center of the US. Over 250 tributaries & 7000+ small rivers and streams feed into it.

There’s only one natural waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. And I can see it from my living room window in Minneapolis. Lucky me!