Disheartening and rewarding.
Painful and joyful.
Frustrating and fulfilling.
Navigating our ways both literally and metaphorically through life is a rollercoaster of colors. At times, we blink and it’s a new turn we didn’t expect. Other times, life seems to idle like a snail crossing a dirt path.
‘Tis the season as they say, and ya know what? I used to be one of those that fought every inch of it.
Thank goodness for good hearted souls and life experiences that taught me this wasn’t a worthwhile way of being.
Little by little I practiced letting go. I STILL practice letting go. Time and practice helped me discover a more meaningful life and the joys it has to offer.
Wayfinding will be difficult at times. That’s a fact of life. A beautiful fact! If we can remain open to learning from our challenges instead of viewing them through jaded lenses, new roads genuinely do appear and the wayfinding does get easier.
I know some people will hate me for saying that. You might be drowning in life right now. Drowning from pain or trauma, from illness or debt, from loss or endless suffering. From a world that just won’t give you a break. How can you find your way, your value, your purpose when the forest is so thick you can’t see anything ahead?
Here’s the thing about wayfinding. With the right passengers and the right map legend, you will always find your way. The thing is, you need to choose to use them. More often than not, when we are drowning or lost, our egos and emotions get the better of us and we don’t ask for help.
Pride, ego, embarrassment, shame, fear, guilt….
For whatever reason, we don’t use our map legend, or even our passengers sitting right next to us or in the back seat. I’ve learned that letting go and using these valuable resources are among the most humbling and gratifying things we can do to open ourselves up to the incredible beauty life has to offer.
The thing is, at some point, we have to be willing to reach for them.
I know you might be inclined to say, “yeah, but..”
My wish for anyone who is feeling that way is that you’ll try. Try asking for a helping hand. Try using a resource. Try finding that silver lining. And not just for a day. Try for a week and then another week. And then another. And then keep trying.
Life really is beautiful and worth the wayfinding struggles and all. 🌈
