Monday, December 13, 2010

Compass.


Every minute, every day, we choose direction. Whether we wake up and decide to move left or right, there is a specific direction that we take. It is all relative to where we want to go. And trying to figure out how to get there is sometimes an incredibly daunting task, particularly when unaided by our own fear of the unknown.

So many times in my own life, during these times of choice, I sometimes wish that I could whip out a compass and have it magically point me in the direction that would be the most conducive to happiness and well being. When this magical intangible compass has failed to appear (as it should), I have become frustrated with myself for walking in the wrong direction or running like hell right into the middle of total misdirection.

The reality is that we all have an internal compass (not a magical one). One that, if crafted with time and insight into how we want our lives to be lived, will help us move in the direction we choose. It's about learning to navigate choices. And spending the time to understand the consequences and aspirations that the chosen direction holds.

Each time I am faced with a new direction and the decisions weigh on me, I think about what is driving my intention. Where will this direction take me? And ultimately, will I be a better person and happier when I've taken steps to move that way.

And that, my friends, is the shiny direction bearing tool that may not prevent me from making mistakes, but it helps me stop and at least ask where I am going.

8 comments:

Wild Child Mama said...

You said, "if crafted with time and insight into how we want our lives to be lived, will help us move in the direction we choose. It's about learning to navigate choices." I love that.
Learning to trust my inner guide after spending years messing up my relationships and sabotaging my life with drugs and alcohol, is both terrifying and a blessing. Terrifying because I don't want to screw things up again. A blessing because, even though sobriety hasn't kept me from making any mistakes, as you said, I trust myself enough now to know I can take risks in the face of fear. I can trust my intentions and go bravely into new experiences sober! Tell that to my old self who would cringe at the sound of her voice without a drink in hand. If she only knew what I am now capable of on my own.

Bailey said...

Thank you so much for posting. This really inspired me, exactly what i needed tonight. You know, it's hard to be a sober teenaged girl, but other women help carry me through. Even if only know one through a blog. So, thank you.

Bailey said...

Thank you so much for posting. This is exactly what i needed tonight. You know, being a sober teenaged girl is incredibly hard, but i have other sober women to help carry me through and feed me spiritually. Even if i only know one through a blog. So, thank you.

Avinash Satz said...

Great writing, thanks for your insight. look forward to reading more. I just started my own blog, great to network with others in recovery!
-avinash satz

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your insight...That is what. I am, daily trying to do. How I am trying to live today. And it isn't easy. I think checking my motives and thinking about the end result might be helpful, in the future. But I've lived my life taking shortcuts, and its not easy taking the long way, even though I know the outcome will be more desirable. But i'm definitely doing better.

Elizabeth
www.countingdays.org

Anonymous said...

Well put. I'm hoping to learn something from you and all the other kind souls who are sharing their insights online.

I'm blogging my path forward, and while I think I have nothing to add, I would welcome any comments.

Anonymous
thedrunkinrecovery.blogspot.com

ETHAN said...

thanks for doing what you do!
www.thelaughingcamel.com

Anonymous said...

I found your blog while searching for Soul Sobriety
in Miami. I'm gonna bookmark this. Thank you, your words are both insightful and inspirational.

-Stephen

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