The Power of Being Lost

The shortest path between two points is a straight line. We all know this to be true, yet is it the most fun or adventurous way? Sometimes the best part of getting there is getting lost. The stories we tell about our travels are about the back streets, the less traveled roads, the sights some people never see because they stay on the straight path. Veering away from the known way can open up a world of possibilities.

There are those however who do not like being lost, or veering from the known path. They fear the loss of control, or think not going the ‘right’ way is a waste of time. They know where they are going and want to get there as soon as possible, which means a straight line. They have a schedule to keep and a plan, and fun and adventure are not usually part of the plan. They get tot their destination on time, but they ave missed soooo many opportunities for expanding their world.

Some of our greatest family adventures have been as a result of getting lost. Once we got over not knowing where we were going, we had a blast. The unexpected was more than we could have planned and more interesting than the straight line. In getting lost we learned about each other, about how we manage conflict, and how we relate to each other during times of uncertainty. We still tell the stories to any unsuspecting guest, and laugh each time we listen to each others version.

So when was the last time you got lost, either by mistake or intentionally? When was the last time you had the guts to veer from the straight path and go a different directions? What adventure awaits as you travel throughout your day? Maybe today is the day you go a different way home, or take a different road to your favorite lunch spot? Maybe the thing you need to see, or experience, or meet is around that out of the way corner. Today a different path or the wavy line is just what you need to open your thoughts and ideas to something new and different. Do you have the guts to travel the non-straight path? Only you really know the answer to that one…