Every day, and literally I mean EVERY DAY, I use my navigation system while driving. And it's not because I don't know my way around but it's because I like to avoid issues or road hazards that would cause me to be late to my destination. I love it! It tells me where the police are located, when there is an accident, or if someone is stopped on the shoulder ahead. My favorite feature is when it tells me about the potholes coming up (I hate when I hit those).
How common is navigating related to our everyday lives?
Photo attribution: RBC Images
It's very common! But is it healthy?
Most of what we do on a daily basis is just mini navigating techniques through life, trying to avoid mishaps and mistakes. No one wakes up wanting to do everything in their power to make every mistake humanly possible. So we navigate...
- We missed that opportunity to fuss at the person at Starbucks when they ordered for their ENTIRE office while you're in line waiting.
- We avoided a conversation with the girl at work who seemingly comes across as a walking issue.
- You maintained a good attitude at the meeting where your colleague kept talking about his new golf clubs instead of business.
- You congratulate the person that got the job you also applied and interviewed for.
- You didn't give someone the finger while driving when they cut you off in traffic.
- Then you finally make it home only to prepare for the next day to repeat the process all over again.
The Navigation System!
This is not a healthy lifestyle! It's like you're constantly dodging life itself.
Consider this: Move from navigating life to just simply enjoying it, day-by-day. It takes so much work to remember to dodge someone or something on a daily basis. You have to always be on guard and you're constantly looking over your shoulder. No one likes living that way. And if we're honest, certain things we navigate away from are exactly like that. It's time to make some adjustments!
I did a couple of things to help me navigate less in life.
- I addressed the issue at hand, which was my way of thinking. I stopped looking at everything that happened outside of my comfort zone as a disruption or annoyance. Instead, I saw those situations as opportunities. I had to remind myself that there isn't a cap on the lessons we learn in life and most of the times, we learn those lessons in our most frustrating moments.
- Next, I purposefully looked for ways to better myself. Instead of dodging that coworker at work, I invited them into my office for a conversation. Have you ever stop to think that there is a reason why they're coming to you wanting to have a conversation? Engaging with them not only benefited them but I had the opportunity to better myself by being a listener and a voice of reason.
- Third, I adjusted some of the things in my life that was contributing to this navigation. Some of the habits and ways we have are inherited by default. This can be from the TV shows you watch, the music you listen to and even the foods you eat. All of these things contribute to how you function. Don't be deceived in thinking that subliminal influences aren't an active force in your life. So for me, it was necessary to adjust these things.
- Lastly, do things that you enjoy on a consistent basis. Life shouldn't be about mundane routines to pay bills. What is that? Do something that brings you joy and happiness. For me, that was writing. I love writing and being able to inspire or encourage someone by way of my life lessons and mistakes. Spending more of your time in a state of happiness will help you to remain in that state longer. Try it!
Now I'm not naïve, I understand navigation is necessary in some situations, but it shouldn't be your way of life. So if you've taken inventory and realize that it is indeed your "way of life," then do what it takes to free yourself from this constraint. Live healthy and happy!
Photo attribution: RBC Images
to you,
kim
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