Today I am going to share a story about how I missed an exit and learned a profound lesson. I learned that sometimes mistakes are opportunities to take us on a more aligned path.
The Mistake That Changed Everything
I never thought missing an exit would turn into a profound life lesson.
I was driving to Trader Joes from my mom’s and while I had made the drive a few times, I still had GPS on.
Yup, I had GPS on and I still missed the exit.
Because of this, I judged myself immediately after it happened. Why wasn’t I being present? Mindful? In the Moment?
In hindsight, I was being present in the moments that mattered for the lesson about to unfold.
Why? Because I noticed how long was left on the drive. This seemingly insignificant detail will be important in a moment.
I had been practicing surrender and trust as I had just let go of my former life and was officially nomadic. So, I quickly took a step back from judgement and thought, perhaps this is purposeful.
And with that, GPS guided me to get off at the very next exit. I glanced down and noticed that taking “this path” only took a few more minutes.
As I drove on this new path to Trader Joes, I was amazed at how much more pleasant it was!
The way I always went was congested with traffic on busy highways that also seemed to not be wide enough for how many cars were on it. My nervous system was not a fan.
This was not only less congested, but the ride was more aesthetically pleasing. I felt far more grounded and joyful.
At that moment, I realized that my perceived mistake was an opportunity to shift. While it took a little longer, it was far more pleasant.
I realized that I had never thought to look for another route, I just accepted that this was the only way to go.
What felt like a mistake was actually an opportunity to not only find a new route, but to embody the experience as a metaphor for life.
Opportunities to Grow
Hopefully you see how a perceived mistake was actually an opportunity. As I’ve sat with it for awhile now, I have a number of realizations that I want to share.
If any of these resonate, I hope it creates any amount of space to shift out of judgment and into curiosity the next time you feel you make a mistake.
Releasing Shame
Many of us beat ourselves up when we think we “mess up”. This only serves to reinforce the conditioning that keeps our perspective quite limited and narrow. It also serves to disempower us.
Reframing a mistake can open you up to a whole world of possibilities. While simultaneously releasing the shame accrued throughout years of judgement.
Cultivating Trust
Sometimes mistakes are opportunities. If we can be open, they might actually be bringing us valuable information and even shifting us into a “higher” timeline. I put higher in quotes to hopefully soften any hierarchical energy around the idea of higher.
Trust shifts our perception of the situation. What if it isn’t a mistake at all, rather you’re being guided to a more aligned path?
Savoring the Moment
I’ve had some very challenging periods in my life and perhaps because of that I also identifying as a late bloomer. Personally, I’d much rather my journey be enjoyable and take a little longer than rushing to get to some finish line that doesn’t even exist.
Freeing Myself From Conditioning
How many things do I do that I don’t enjoy, not taking a moment to ask myself if there is another way? Or at the very least, why am I doing this? So many actions we take, words we say are from how we’ve been conditioned throughout our lives. When we begin to take a step back and question, only then do we truly honor free will.
Breaking Free From Limiting Patterns and Habits
Why do I take the same route every time? Why not switch it up and see how it feels. This perspective is helpful to not get stuck in limiting patterns and habits.
Mistakes As Opportunities
So friends, the next time you think you “mess up”, take a moment to trust in what might be unfolding.
The next time you do something that you hate for the 100th time because that’s just “what you do”, take a step back and see if there is another way.
And remember friends, I wasn’t at a spiritual retreat when this happened. I was driving to Trader Joes. Every moment is an opportunity to shift back into alignment when we are in a state of allowance and receptivity.
Until next time friends, stay curious!
You Might Enjoy:
- Divine Timing On The Road: What A Reckless Driver Taught Me
- Trust In The Timing: A Deer & A Timeline Shift
- A Powerful Lesson Hidden in a Few Bumps and Bruises
- Reaction vs Response: The Drive That Changed Me
Creative Offering:
If these words serve you, let them fly.
If you teach from them, may they bloom again.
Credit is kind. Integrity is everything.
Blair is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, E-500 RYT and Reiki Master. She integrates spirituality with modern day science to help people heal and reclaim their relationship with their body and food.
Disclaimer:
These are my current musings. This content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the support of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any concerns or conditions.