Straight Paths and Winding Roads

Finding your way in life never seems like a straight path, does it? It’s more of a winding, twisting and turning sort of trail. At times it can feel disorienting.  And yet, it’s this incredible, exciting journey that you get to take into unknown terrain and bold discoveries! Yes, it can be both and…

You can feel tired and lost at times, and you can feel the amazing accomplishment of someone who just climbed Mt. Everest. It’s even possible to feel both things at once! Many of us, and I’ll be the first one to raise my hand, find our eyes meandering from our own map and onto someone else’s.

At times, when my footing feels a little unsure, I find my eyes darting around and looking at where others are going and what they are doing to get to their destination. Notice I said THEIR destination. Not mine.

Is their destination better or more desirable? They seem to be traveling faster. Is their compass more accurate than mine? What tools are they using? What supplies do they have that I don’t? Are they more skilled navigators? Do they know something that I don’t? Maybe I should adjust my efforts. This became a pattern of behavior when I experienced an extended season of weary travel over difficult terrain.

I don’t need to tell you that this kind of self-doubt and questioning doesn’t help. Maybe you experience this too. Can I share a personal story with you? A story from the road.

This story is written from my perspective as a Christ-follower. Please don’t be concerned, if that isn’t your practice or tradition. Read on and keep your heart open to the message behind the story itself. It will simply meet you where you’re at in your own journey no matter your beliefs. It’s a message for us all, that we can choose our path and navigate it through all kinds of weather and terrain.

Finding Your Way in Life

It was a cloudy, Fall day in September 2022. Cooler than usual. I was driving in my car to go support a friend at an event she was hosting. I’d been seeking more clarity around some issues in my business. That morning my thoughts were swirling, as they sometimes do, around those issues.

Even more specifically, they were swirling around how I might feel at this event as I met other accomplished women. I’m being very transparent when I say that I was afraid I would start going down that old familiar road of comparison. I knew that it was an issue for me, and I did not want to go there.

As I was driving, I prayed for God’s guidance on what path to take in my business during this new season of life. I said to Him, “It seems like I’ve always been trying to find my right path, but it feels like I never do.” This is what I heard…

“My daughter, be patient. Trust in Me. You’ve chosen a path many times. But sometimes on a journey you come to a fork in the road and you must choose again. Where you came from prepared you for what’s ahead.

Sometimes you must bust through an obstacle in your way; but sometimes you must crawl over it or walk around it. There are times when you simply need to stop and rest. Or stop for provisions.

Occasionally, you must cross a bridge or an unknown wilderness to move toward your destination. Other times, the Winter or rains and storms may slow you down only to discover the path has been washed out or destroyed. You must blaze a new trail.

Sometimes the limitations of your human body, impacted by extreme exertion and the environment, cause a need to stop for healing.

Along the way, you’ll climb great mountains to reveal beautiful vistas only to arrive, later, in a valley… some beautiful and lush, others dark and low.

When you encounter these circumstances, your destination may seem to change and your path may seem unclear. This. This is a journey… a life well-lived.

None of it is wasted. I’ve used it all to help prepare you. Every step of the way I’ve walked alongside you, gently guiding and providing the equipment and provisions you need. I’ve never let go of your hand and I never will.

I will light the way. I will hold the rope you climb. I will conquer the bears and the wolves. I will shelter you. And sometimes I will carry you when you are weak. And I will celebrate the victories with you. No matter which path you take, I am with you. I AM the Way.”

Focus on the Road Ahead

I felt so much peace in that car ride. As I drove the rest of the way to the event, I stayed in my lane and I focused on the road. Which is a metaphor to say that I felt confident I would keep my eyes on my own path ahead that day and in the days to follow.

I’m not going to lie and say that it’s always easy! I have to continually stay self-aware and notice when I’m being triggered into that patterned behavior of self-doubt and comparison. I remind myself of everything I’ve accomplished; as well as the grace and self-compassion I learned to give myself over the things that weren’t easy or didn’t turn out as planned.

You Get to Choose

Then I choose what I’m going to focus my thoughts on. I’m grateful for those who continue to stand by me. And I choose joy and hope, even if I don’t feel happy or comfortable. And I choose to stay the course or course-correct, when I feel called to do so.

That day, at my friend’s event, I made a public commitment to host my first Navigate the Way outdoor event within the next 30-60 days. That was a big step for me! I did it too. I hosted the first event on October 28^th, 2022. I’m so glad I did! And I continued to coach outdoors on walking trails throughout the Winter. Now Spring is here, and you can learn more about upcoming events like Navigate the Way outdoor events and Declutter Your Soul lake retreats. I’m so grateful I chose that path and I’m grateful for the twists and turns that led me there.

Learn it. Apply it.

• How have the winding, twisting turns of your life’s path prepared you? What have you learned?
• What patterns of thought or behavior tend to hijack your progress and stop you in your tracks?
• What might help you notice when you’re moving into that unhelpful pattern, and what would help you switch perspective?
• From this fresh perspective, what do you notice about the path you’re on at this time? What’s the next right step for you?
• Who continually stands by you on your journey? What additional support might you need?

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