Getting Around Is So Easy Today
More than three-fourths (77%) of smartphone owners regularly use navigation apps to get them where they are going. 67% of those surveyed reported Google Maps is their favorite.
One of my travel mantras is, “Yes! And if I stop there, I will experience (something fun, engaging, new, etc.)”. I love happy accidents (detours) that tend to appear when I am guided by Google Maps – most of the time! On this particular travel day, after entering the destination, the intent was to sit back, look around as I listened to a book from Audible, enjoying the sunset on my way home.
This trip was different, however, as I learned, traveling can also be a conduit for opportunities to grow and change. After this particular drive, I am now painfully aware there is more for me to learn!
Life Is A Game
Using Google Maps reminds me of the children’s game ‘Pin The Tail On The Donkey.’ Eyes covered, sight is closed off. We are then spun in slow circles. After our balance is significantly gone, we are released into the dark, mysterious void to search for the paper with the donkey imprinted on it hung on a wall somewhere in the room.
With one of our primary senses closed off, we hesitate then move in what we think is the right direction. Tentatively we start, arms outstretched. Inching our way, we try and remember where that donkey is. Confused, we see the target in our mind’s eye, and we stagger on. Hearing giggles and whispers from the other kids, we listen intently, hoping for clues to help us reroute and course correct so we can get the tail where it needs to go.
Google Only Knows
During a recent trip home, I found myself leaving the Madison Wisconsin International Airport just in time for 5 pm Friday grid-lock on the belt-line. Although very familiar with this area, I still wanted to see if Google Maps could get me around the traffic that would surely add 45 minutes.
Now, we are in control if we are careful about the information we tell Google Maps where we want to go. We get to choose if we would like the fastest or easiest route? Are we walking or driving? And, would we like highway or toll roads? After making the appropriate selections, with the parameters set, we only need to follow the supplied instructions along the way.
If we are in a hurry, however, and the route picked quickly (even carelessly), that’s when things get interesting. And so, the case on this particular adventure. Had I just taken a few extra moments to look closer at the route I was about to choose instead of quickly trying to leave, I could have spared myself the unnecessary stress and fear that followed.
Rerouting And Fear
(preface) Before you think me a crazy person, two factors played into this story: One, I am a recovering control freak. I do slip back into those old, unhealthy thought patterns from time to time. And, two, by this time in my day, I’ve already been up for at least 14 hours. Not very good self-care, I know – but that is a whole other blog post 
Knowing the area, I also had a few routes in mind. As I started to drive, Google Maps directed me in a way that made sense. It was familiar. Remaining confident in the suggestions until asked to go straight at an intersection, I would typically have turned left at. WHOA!! WHAT?? I’ve never driven that way before! My adventuress mind kicked in, though, and thoughts of a beautiful scenic route had me saying yes, and so, on I went.
A funny thing happens when we try to control situations. Our nervous system engages, and the fight or flight response is activated. As I made turn after turn, following the directions, something shifted, and I started to get anxious about the route. The original intent of a quick detour around traffic seemed to be turning into a drive through the country – on snow-covered country roads, as it was getting dark.
Visually, my mind tried to predict where I was and where I wanted to be. The directions were not computing. Completely baffled, a bit frustrated and a little scared, the more I tried to anticipate the next turn, the less sense the instructions made.
My imagination reeling, I felt as if I was on a different planet. Tired and hungry, all I wanted to do was get home. Panicking more as I heard the instruction to turn right when my internal compass said to go left. Feeling Google Maps was so wrong, I even pressed stop only to restart and have no changes made to the course I was on. Sure, the map showed it would indeed be taking me home, but at this point, across completely unfamiliar roads.
Trust
At this point, thoroughly disoriented and thinking of everything that could go wrong had me overwhelmed. The more I thought about how Google had me out there in the middle of nowhere, had me exasperated. What was this app trying to do? Have me in a ditch somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin in the bitter cold of winter??
Just like the game, I pushed forward, trying to find something, some identifier, that would put my mind at ease. I needed to know it was going to be ok. A sign indicating a familiar town or perhaps just another car to travel with. Instead, my mind continued to whirl with what-ifs as a pair of deer leaped in front of me (I was sure Google knew that would happen too!!).
(Ummm, I totally needed an intervention at this point).
Many Paths To Our Destination
Using this app allows me to look around. By not focusing on a map, it brings opportunities to find detours available along the way. Lifes journey is never traveled on a straight line. As we traverse the many possibilities along the way, there are choices to make. We may receive guidance, but our reaction to each detour is always up to us.
When we move through life with a curious mind, we get to decide if we want to take side trips. Maybe stopping off at the scenic overlook to watch the sun setting or a pullover to visit the farmer’s fresh produce stand. And as with all travel, when we are ready to go again, we reroute to our original destination.
I did follow the Google Maps directions and eventually popped out on the road I desired to be on all along. Funny thing, what seemed like hours was only really 55 minutes from the time I left the airport. After recounting this story to a friend, he pointed out that it would have been the exact time without traffic on the other route.
(I have so much work to do!)
Flowing Through Life
The use of the Google Map app is an analogy for flowing through life. The destination in mind will have to be open to the many paths and route changes that will inevitably occur along our way.
This experience has me reflecting on my reaction. What was it about this encounter that had me so flustered? My conclusion. This is just one more opportunity for me to learn to trust the process. To let go of needing to control every detail in my life. At the first sign of fear, had I just stopped and really looked at the map, maybe did deep breathing exercises, a more informed decision to course correct or relax and enjoy the trip would have been made.
When we let go and flow through life as if everything is a miracle, it’s more manageable. Trying to control circumstances and outcomes is human nature – but requires a lot of time, energy and is certainly not always healthy. Stop along the way to listen and trust our inner self and intuition. And use external sources as a guide or tool to aid in maneuvering life’s traffic.
Peace & Happiness
As can be seen, I believe if we are open to what is, personal growth and an abundance of more enjoyable experiences will be available. Through conscious decisions to let go and flow through unplanned delays, accidents (happy or otherwise), as well as all of the other detours in life, can bring peace and happiness when we allow it. And who wouldn’t want that?
What do you do when faced with unplanned detours on your journey?
To learn more about Google Maps, go to https://support.google.com/maps/answer/7565193?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.