Keeping My Bearings
There are seasons when life feels surprisingly quiet.
Then there are those special seasons when the noise seems to come from every direction.
Some of it is external. News headlines, workplace changes, shifting relationships, unexpected setbacks, and the countless opinions of people who believe they know the right path for someone else’s life.
Some of it is internal. Doubt. Hope. Fear. Excitement. Grief. Possibility.
I’ve experienced that when enough voices compete for my attention, it becomes easy to forget my own.
Over time, I’ve found myself returning to three guiding lights that help me keep my bearings, whether I’m navigating a hiking trail or the changing landscape of everyday life.
The first is vision.
Before setting out on a trail, I study where I intend to go. I look at the terrain, the weather, the distance, and what I need to bring with me. Having a destination doesn’t guarantee an easy journey, but it gives me direction before I take my first step.
Life has taught me to approach important decisions the same way. I spend less time reacting to every distraction and more time remembering where I intend to go.
The second is knowing myself.
Every hike begins with an honest conversation.
How am I feeling today?
What am I capable of right now?
Am I ready for a challenging climb? Would a moderate trail serve me better? Or is today simply a day for a quiet walk around the block?
The answer changes.
Knowing myself means allowing the answer to change.
There is wisdom in recognizing both our strengths and our limitations without judgment. What I can do today is not a permanent definition of what I will always be able to do. It is simply an honest assessment of this moment.
The third is humility.
No amount of planning removes uncertainty.
Trails change.
Storms wash out paths.
Trees fall.
Wildlife appears when we least expect it.
One of my favorite hikes ended before it truly began. A doe had just given birth beside the trail. I startled her and she startled me. I slowly backed up, turned around, and walked back the way I had come.
Humility reminds me that the world is not obligated to follow my plans.
Sometimes the wisest decision is to adapt.
Sometimes the bravest decision is to turn around.
Sometimes the kindest decision is to make space for something larger than ourselves.
These three practices have become quiet companions in every area of my life.
Vision reminds me where I am going.
Knowing myself reminds me how I am doing.
Humility reminds me to remain teachable.
Together, they help me move forward with greater steadiness, even when life grows noisy.
Reflection
When life feels noisy, what helps you find your bearings again?
Where are you relying on an old version of yourself instead of honestly meeting the person you are today?
Is there a place in your life where humility is inviting you to pause, pivot, or choose a different path?
