How to Find Your Own Unique Path
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold—or like everyone else has it all figured out and you’re out here making it up as you go—you’re not alone.
Truth is, I’ve spent most of my creative life forging a path that didn’t exist yet—and there were so many moments where it felt disorienting and lonely, like I was moving forward with no roadmap and a lot of doubt trailing behind me.
And what I’ve learned is this:
Your path isn’t something you find. It’s something you create.
Here are a few things I’ve learned (usually the hard way) that keep me rooted when I start questioning everything.
1. Tune Into Your Inner Soundtrack
We all have a rhythm that’s uniquely ours—a kind of inner soundtrack. But it can get drowned out by noise, pressure, and perfectionism.
For years, I thought I had to follow a traditional path as a classical flutist. But something in me longed to do my own thing. To explore. To be my own one-woman orchestra through live music and film. It wasn’t what I was “supposed” to do—but it was me.
Start by asking: What feels like home in my body? What sounds like truth in my heart? That’s your compass.
2. Follow the Flow, Not the Map
We’re taught to make a plan. Have a five-year vision. Stay the course.
But some of the most powerful shifts in my life came from following flow—not a plan. Like when I said yes to renting an apartment in Newfoundland, not knowing it would completely reshape my life, my music, and my sense of belonging.
Curiosity can take you places certainty never will. Trust the tide. Drift a little. Magic lives in the unexpected.
3. Embrace the Messy Middle
The middle part? Where you’re not where you used to be, but not quite where you’re going? That part’s rough. And so rich.
I’ve had songwriting sessions that sounded like total chaos. Nothing clicked. My brain said “give up.” But when I stayed a little longer, something beautiful started to form. Sometimes clarity shows up after you’re willing to stay with the mess.
4. Mix Your Ingredients (Even the Weird Ones)
We’re all made of such wonderfully weird things that make us who we are and that weird is magnetic and authentic.
When I finally stopped compartmentalizing—my love for film, electronic music, storytelling, and flute—and let them blend, something clicked. It felt like alignment. It felt like my truth. My voice.
Don’t filter yourself down to fit. Let it all in. That’s where your creative fingerprint lives.
5. Let Inspiration Catch You Off Guard
Some of the best ideas don’t come from pushing. They come when we soften. When we listen.
Once, I was sitting on a rock in Sleepy Cove, thinking about nothing in particular, when I heard this melody that felt perfect for how I was feeling in that moment. The melody for the alto flute stayed with me—and it’s now going to be the way I end my next album.
Let yourself be surprised. Step outside. Wander. Inspiration loves to sneak up on you.
6. Document the Journey, Not Just the Destination
We often wait until something is “finished” to share. But your becoming is worthy too!
That’s why I started filming Flute Jams and creating Inspiration Soup—it wasn’t about being polished. It was about being present. Letting people see the soul behind the work.
Capture your process. It’s part of the art.
7. Be Fearlessly You (Even if it Feels Too Much)
For a long time, I worried I was too much. Too sensitive. Too “out there.” Too emotional for the music industry.
But the truth is, the more I leaned into who I really am—a heart-centered sparkly soul—the more I found the people who resonate with it.
Your softness is not a flaw. Your weirdness isn’t a problem. Your tenderness is powerful.
The Quiet Truth Underneath It All
You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to rush. You don’t need to be like anyone else.
Just keep listening. Keep trusting. Keep showing up as you.
Your unique path isn’t ahead of you—it’s already unfolding beneath your feet. You’re walking it—one honest, imperfect, beautiful step at a time.
Rozalind MacPhail is an award-winning musician, inspirational speaker and certified coach based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. One of Canada’s most buzzed about Di Zhao sponsored artists, she’s produced numerous solo albums, composed music for film and toured internationally over the last two decades.
