The other day I was on my way to meet a friend. As I was in unfamiliar territory, I had asked Google Maps to guide me to my end location. I love that … just plug in my iPhone, push a button on the steering wheel of my Ford Escape, speak a few words and Hugh — my Siri app is Australian — directs me to my desired location.

On the way, though, I came across orange barriers with Road Closed To Thru Traffic in bold lettering.

Now, Hugh hadn’t suggested another route, which he usually does if there is construction. And, since I was following his lead and I couldn’t see any actual issues barring my forward momentum, I proceeded to the route.

New pavement greeted me. But no other sign that I should change my direction.

Another barrier soon rose before me. Another closure sign. I was beginning to feel like I was on the old Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride from WDW’s Magic Kingdom. Like Mr. Toad, I decided to keep moving forward. Nothing dangerous lurked ahead. I saw no sign of construction workers or trucks. Just smooth black asphalt,  newly paved and ready to support vehicles bold enough to go where no car had gone before.

I made it through the “closure” to my destination and my friend without any complication, other than those signs.

I’ve taken that route one more time since then. Same signs. Same situation. And it made me pause and consider.

On our journey, we come across potholes and construction, re-routing and delays, road closures, orange cones and unexpected issues on the route we choose to take. We slow down. We accelerate. And, we check the signs as we go, choosing to continue or turn to a different path. We have choices, so we weigh the pros and cons as we meet them, doing the best we can with the information, feelings and experience we currently have. But, when we see those orange posts and boldfaced signs, we have to decide if proceeding to the route is the way to go or if we should turn away and find a safer street.

At 52, I’ve tried both, I can’t deny it. Proceeding thru the bumps, twisty dirty roads and potholes has taught me a great deal, though there are times I would have preferred a smoother, more direct route. I have a curious, adventurous spirit that questions and explores paths others might avoid or circumvent. But, this aspect of my nature has helped me grow, learn, and make amazing memories that I could have missed, had I turned from the route.

I’m not sure where my Google Maps app is leading me at times. Are any of us? But I know that I have experienced great joy, much laughter and great pleasure down the Rabbit Hole in Wonderland. And, as Marilyn Monroe once said “Never regret anything, because at one time it was exactly what you wanted.” 

Will I take that route again, knowing there are barriers and challenges that will meet me if I do? I don’t know. Maybe. If at the end I find something worth the trip or if during the drive I make discoveries I might have missed otherwise, is it worth the risk? Maybe.

Google Maps can provide the steps to get me from A to Z. Google Maps can reroute me if I choose to turn off the street or turn away from the path. I can always speak in a new destination, after all. Or turn it off and drive.

But these days, Construction and Road Closures seem to be an all year kind of thing. So you have to pay attention, take care of yourself and choose wisely as you drive.

I don’t know what’s on the route ahead for me. Does anyone, really? I’m driving new roads these days. Seeing and experiencing things I’ve never encountered before and facing new challenges as well as new exciting opportunities. Change is part of life. Is it scary? Yes, if I’m honest. A little.

See, I don’t know what’s on the road before me. I’m a passionate, curious person … I choose to live out loud and grab life with both hands, diving in where the less bold might not go. That doesn’t always make for the smoothest trip. Plus, unlike Google Maps, I can’t predict what the next street will be. But, if what I’m moving toward is important to me, well, I guess I’ll just have to watch the road, read the signs along the way and decide how to proceed.

Or as dear Alice from Wonderland says … “Begin at the beginning and go on until you come to the end, then stop.”

                                                                                                                         — Jenni