photo from weheartit
There are points in our lives when we come into difficult times. Often during these instances, we can feel like we are lost in a maze of possibilities – each path branching off to some unknown future. And sometimes it feels like an army of playing cards with sharpened axes is marching swiftly towards us, making us blindly flee down twists and turns. Sometimes these future decisions can be minor, sometimes they can be major. Sometimes they can be positive, sometimes negative. But no matter what the nature of the situation that places us in the maze, it can be very overwhelming to deal with. Many times we just freeze up and just can’t move. It can be a scary time. But you are not alone. Everyone goes through these moments. Maybe it’s deciding on which college to attend. Maybe it’s trying to figure out a way to afford next month’s rent. Or maybe it’s simply trying to organize an event like a wedding or a birthday party. There are tons of things that can get us lost. But there are things you can do to help yourself navigate through the maze and get yourself out.
When you find yourself in the maze, first you need to take some time and map it all out. What is the source of your anxiety and what are all your options? List out all the possible options you have no matter how silly. Then examine each of the options individually and try to determine how viable of solution it is. After you have discovered one or more potentials pathways, then you need to figure out how to get to those goals. Create a plan to get there. What needs to be done? Do you need to cut back on the time spent with friends on Friday nights so you can get a part time job to afford to pay your student loan off? Maybe you need to decide to eliminate 8 people from your guest list in order to stay on budget for your big bash. Sometimes finding a way out means making tough decisions and personal sacrifices, and that can be upsetting, but the best thing to do is to constantly remind yourself of the overall goal. Walking through the maze is tough, but getting out has to begin with taking that first step.
Along the way, new paths may present themselves, for better or for worse. It’s okay to stop and reevaluate your course once in a while. Maybe a new path will work out better, maybe it just presents another obstacle. The point is not to stay stuck at a dead end. Keep moving and you are bound to get out. Just try to stay focused and try your best to take moments to reflect on the bigger picture. There’s always a way out if you look hard enough. You can do it!
Have you ever found yourself trapped in a maze? What are some things you did to stay calm and find your way out?
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Oh, this is one of my favourite posts. I am at a cross-roads within my own maze. I know if I plow through the walls it will only create chaos, so I am carefully navigating my way through, sometimes stopping to evaluate my next direction, until I find the exit…
Thank you for sharing this.
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:30 am
Happy you like it. Navigating the maze is always a challenge. I wish you the best of luck!