Do you know where you’re going?
Wondering where you are going is one of those huge life questions that can be approached from different directions, both literally and philosophically.
I have a long history of wondering where my path will lead, evident from my life so far living in different countries or moving interstate in Australia which basically means leaving things you knew far away geographically. I also have had the chance to travel overseas when time permits, so at least on a literal level I could say I am often physically exploring new paths.
On a more philosophical level though I, like so many others, ponder my life-path from time to time and I’ve found it’s an ever-unfolding one. What my experience until now has taught me is that you can never say never — because no matter how hard you try to plan ahead and be certain where you are going and what you are doing, things often change or turn out differently from expected.
The reality is any one of us, at any time, may find ourselves faced with new choices or directions to take. This can be a joy when a clear opportunity to travel and explore arises, or unsettling when a fork in the path appears and a decision must be made even though the way ahead is unclear.
It’s ok to not know the ‘best’ way to go
So how do you choose which path to tread when faced with a choice? I admit I have no algorithm to hand that’s guaranteed — no foolproof recipe to share that will suit everyone, every time.
I know that sometimes I will spontaneously choose a path and march boldly along with ease. Other times the way I choose turns out to be an uphill slog, but my tenacity keeps me going even when I would prefer to stop — because some part of me always hopes there will be a clear view at the top.
Sometimes I pause at a fork, as I cannot see the way on either path. These are the most challenging moments, as my hesitation seems to make the choice even harder — I may even find myself literally frozen in place for a while. At these times I have learned there can be a third option — to leave the distinct path entirely and forge into the wilds, creating a new way.
Have courage
To take a risk and leave the known or obvious path may not be easy, but in my experience, you cannot really know unless you at least try. There is always the risk of coming to a dead end — perhaps a canyon’s edge with no obvious way to cross or climb down, and that’s ok. But if this happens to you, before you turn and retrace your footsteps remember to look around and marvel at where you have come, and be proud of your boldness – for having the courage to at least try a new way.
