Sadly, Google Maps or Waze has no capability to help when you are seeking directions to, not a place, but a destination. Where you want to be in your life does not belong in a map.
And let me tell you that first and foremost, there is no sure way to get there. It will take a lot of trial and error, getting lost and getting nowhere, discoveries and detours. You might find the way early, but you might also spend your whole life looking for it.
So what is this about, really?
Simple: a joy ride.
Existence is a wonderful thing. To exist, to be there. But more often than not, you get so caught up in the idea of getting to a specific destination that you entirely forget where you are right now. That, my dear, is where you start.
Look at where you stand. Look at you.
The way to the place for which you look beyond the horizon starts at the end of your feet. See where you stand and remember it. Because when you get going and you begin to get tired, you’ll remember how far you’ve come. Get a good grasp of the now and use it for then.
Breathe.
Our body functions using a highway of oxygen. Don’t deprive yourself of air because your breath quickens when you go too fast. Breathe. Let the breeze come through and be okay with it. Know that to pause is as important as to go. You’re not supposed to
figure out everything yet; there’s still room to grow.
And it is absolutely okay to fall. To stall. To not know it all.
Our humanity lies at the mercy of our heart. Don’t try to lose that. In your search of the greater distance, don’t let what truly matters be left behind.
Fight.
You are only as wonderful as you care to be. A lot of people will say otherwise and it will be hurtful for you to hear. To see. At one point they might get close to tearing down your hope as if it were built on sand. But stand.
Be resolute in your belief that flowers can grow in the desert, and so can you. You are more than a flower. You have the ability to bloom against adversaries and grow colorful under a bleak sky. Give it a try.
On your way to the end of the road, you will meet the sea. Or the sky. Whichever way you choose, choose to try.
So if you think “Maybe there’s no way to get there,” there is.
The start of your journey is at the end of your feet.
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Elle Butor, 20, is an account executive at Carbon Digital Inc.