Directionally Challenged

She was lost. Her GPS took her somewhere other than where she wanted to go.  She had been to her destination numerous times but always used GPS to get there. She was directionally challenged – not knowing which way was north or south.  She knew left or right and landmarks and needed someone to direct her.

Everyone goes the wrong way sometimes while driving.  GPS does not always take you where you want to go.  It seems to have a mind of its own.  You have probably turned too soon when following GPS and had to back up or turn around and continue down the street to your final destination.  You have also driven past where you needed to turn and had to turn around and go back to the correct street.

You can get lost in life too, wondering what path to take when life changes.  A path may be the right way for a while but then it feels empty and lonely, and you question if it is time for a change.  It is familiar, but you still feel lost and wonder if you should keep doing what you have always done.  You need to ask yourself some questions about where you are on this path of life and be honest with yourself.  Is it fulfilling?  Am I here just because it is familiar?  Has it run its course?  Am I afraid of taking a risk and changing directions?  Am I staying because of others and their expectations?  And many more questions but few answers.

It is easier at times to stay in the familiar, but one risks just existing instead of living.  It becomes just going through the motions of life.  You know you can do it, but do you want to continue doing it?  One risks not experiencing the adventures and blessings on the new path.  In each season of life – whether caused by aging, health, loss, or other circumstances, you need to change directions and make decisions which way to go.  How do you know which way to choose?

Are you directionally challenged not just in the compass of north and south, but with your life?  Who are you asking for directions?  Hopefully it is not someone who has never experienced what you have or traveled your direction.  It is not following others because they think they know what is best for you. You need to discern your own path and be guided by the right signposts.

The direction of your life is determined by what is in your heart.  Who has your heart?  Society sets career goals with a focus on possessions, wealth, status, security and prestige.  The direction of society challenges you to achieve, acquire, and be busy.  Society makes you choose to stay on course with everyone and become financially secure, develop a reputation, and be comfortable and self-sufficient.  Society sometimes makes you choose between what the world expects and requires or following your heart. How do you know where to go? It is slowing yourself down from the busyness of the world and your anxious thoughts.  It is removing yourself from the merry-go-round of the media world and the comparisons with others.

When you experience change and loss, the world’s directions leave you directionally challenged and empty.  It is not that it was a wrong direction, it just made you learn where you do not want to go.  Go to your foundation of life – your faith and those you trust.  Seek guidance through your faith and prayer and find those whose navigation you trust to be signposts on your way.

Elaine’s website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In the Different