Whenever I want to elevate myself and boost my mindset, I look back across my life to see how far I’ve come. I review the routes I’ve taken to get me to where I am right now, and I seek out the dead ends I could have avoided. I reach deep into the corners of my mind and pull out my map. I know it’s all about GPS nowadays, but my own personal map shows me an abundance of things I’ve been through, pitfalls I’ve been stuck in, and traps I’ve fallen into. Some things I don’t want to reflect on, but most help me press forward in my travels throughout this life.
So, on occasion, I spread my map across the table of my mind, and I glance over all the detours, mountains, rocky terrains, valleys, highway closures, and flooded roads (and you know I can’t swim) that I’ve had to maneuver. I look back on each flat tire and stall out and marvel at how I kept going. Kept it moving. How I found the will to fix what I needed to fix, and march forward to my next port of call.
While studying my map, I’m amazed to see that though I’ve traveled up some seriously steep hills, and forged through some dangerously rough terrain, I’ve also stopped at some pretty picturesque places, visited some pretty awesome destinations, and hung out with some pretty amazing folks. And as I review my mind’s map, I’m thrilled to see that my journeys haven’t all been plagued with turmoil. I did smell some thornless roses and had lots of good times along the way.
My shoes were brand new when I started out, but over the years I’ve repeatedly worn out my soles while pacing and worrying and hoping. Depending on where I travelled, I’ve donned sneakers so I could run from danger, and boots whenever I was knee deep in crap. But thankfully, there’s been quite a few times when I’ve worn heels and danced while having the time of my life.
So when I have doubts about where I’m headed or what I’m doing, I consult my mind’s map. It shows me how far I’ve come and what I’ve been through. It reminds me that my plans don’t always come to fruition and if they do, I usually get there even if I take the most non-direct, scenic route around. It forces me to remember that sometimes I have to stop, remove my shoes, and relax for just a moment so I can refuel, regroup, and start up again. Most importantly, my map shows me that some of the detours that set me back . . . they were necessary to keep me safe.
So, I”d suggest that you spread your map across the table of your mind and peep at it now and then. Don’t dwell only on the boulders that stood in your way and the u-turns you’ve had to make. Instead, take a sweeping view that encompasses everything. Just glance at it and put it all together in your mind’s eye. Do you see? Just look at how far you’ve come.
Now close the map and look ahead . . . straight in front of you . . . as far as your eyes can see and your mind can stretch. You can’t even see the end can you? Your travels in front of you are endless . . . filled with wonder and possibilities. Go get it.
