Recently, while in one of my more daring and adventurous modes, I ventured into the city only to realize—too late—exactly what time and day it was.
Yup. I did it.
I threw myself into the chaos of Friday afternoon rush hour traffic.
Yes, go ahead and cringe. It wasn’t pretty. Mind you, while I don’t live in a massive metropolis (and I truly sympathize with those who do), traffic in my area is still a special kind of painful. Naturally, the direction I was heading flowed smoothly, but the other side? A solid line of cars—an overflow parking lot leading to another overflow parking lot, leading to… well, another parking lot.
Feeling my pain yet?
Good. Because it helps explain why I so readily gave into my friend, Ego.
With no real alternative—since all routes eventually funnel into the same main east-west artery—I pressed forward, completed my errands, and braced myself for the dreaded return trip. I resigned myself to the joy of my air-conditioned car on that sweltering summer day.
Only, the Universe had other plans.
A new possibility appeared—a potential shortcut. Being the grand adventurer I am (especially when prompted by my best friend, Ego), I veered into the exit lane.
No, don’t worry—I didn’t cut back into traffic at the last minute! I was committed. I was certain. I would exit, loop around, and outsmart the entire line. It might add a little distance, but I’d be home faster than those inching along the main route.
Oh, how Ego and I are “good” friends.
My Higher Self gave me a knowing nod and a wink. “Discern for yourself what is the better choice.”
Big snort there! What choice, right?
I zipped down the exit lane, grinning, certain of my cleverness. And then—reality had the last laugh. The road I planned to rejoin was jammed with parked cars three times longer than the line I had smugly bypassed.
Ego, ever the optimist, pointed out yet another possible route. All was not lost! I could take a back road, swing around, and reconnect from the opposite direction. Traffic there would surely be lighter. And wouldn’t it be brilliant if the brand-new exit—yes, the one still under construction—offered an even faster route?
Are you feeling my Higher Self’s sense of humor yet? Because she has jokes.
So, I found myself stuck in yet another long line, on an even longer detour, laughing at my own misguided cleverness. Meanwhile, my Higher Self reclined, humming, patiently waiting for me to catch on.
Ego, of course, kept chattering: “At least you’re moving! Look at all the new sights! You’re exploring!” And truthfully, none of that was wrong. There’s value in every journey, even the detours.
But as I sat—parked yet again—my Higher Self straightened up and asked, “So… what did you learn?”
The clarity from that experience still unfolds daily, but two key lessons stand out:
First, no matter what choice I make, no matter which path I take, all roads lead home. Some routes may take longer, but every journey holds its own lessons, adventures, and opportunities for growth.
Second, there is no need to fear making the wrong choice. Because when all roads lead home, there is nothing to fear at all.
Comments