I’m driving somewhere I’ve never been before. For some reason, time seems to stretch out like a B-I-G yawn. Then I drive back the same route I came. It’s always shorter. Always. And every time I say, “I thought it was much further away than that.”

When we don’t know where we’re going, why does it seem like time stretches on and on?

“Just as the tumultuous chaos of a thunderstorm brings a nurturing rain that allows life to flourish, so too in human affairs times of advancement are preceded by times of disorder. Success comes to those who can weather the storm.” I Ching No. 3

When we’re off our familiar path, we often panic. Where is that next road sign?? I thought I was supposed to turn here! I don’t know where I am.

Sometimes the panic and dis-ease causes us to abort this unknown territory and return to the old. We make up all sorts of reasons – it was too hard, it wouldn’t have been that great anyways, I can’t do this because…you fill in the blanks.

So here’s the thing about this in between time. If you’re like me, staying with the old no longer becomes possible. Some part of me doesn’t fit anymore. A storm is brewing and I know exactly what it means.

Change.
Being in the unknown.
Walking in faith.
Letting go.
Always letting go.

My relationship with time and space shifts. Volume #10 of my Life Plan gets tossed out of the car window. The GPS no longer seems to work.

If we do this enough times, we begin to see the impermanence in everything. We realize that often times our best plans are really not “The Best”. We know that, without a doubt, even when we don’t know where the hell we are or where we are going, somehow, someway, we will find the way. We also know from all our experiences that we are never alone during this time. That somehow Grace shows up in the most unexpected ways.

So, enjoy the ride. Find the lesson in the now. Admit that you’re without a map and you don’t actually have a clue where you’re going. Ask for support. Visit some rest stops. Let go of your need to know. Look at what is here, right now. Because if you don’t, you’ll miss a whole bunch of breathtaking views along the way.

Remember nothing is permanent. The path will reveal itself. It always does, in its own time. You WILL get there. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Those that do let their dreams die long ago. All of a sudden you’ll be somewhere you never expected yourself to be. Grateful. Humble. Wiser. Fuller. And the world will be better for it.

In dedication to Simon Goland‘s LPD class at Bainbridge Graduate Institute, for your spirit, creativity, gifts and allowing me to be an honoured guest in your intimate circle.