Route Re-calculation

Am I the only person who actually gets quite excited when the Sat-Nav lady speaks those words, in that slight hint of disapproval she uses?

I am a late-comer and a reluctant user of the Sat-Nav facility on my phone. Don't get me wrong I am most definitely not a Luddite - I love gadgets and new techy stuff, you should see the amount of kit we have in our house! But the Sat-Nav kinda bothers me. I'm quite proud of the fact that I have a good sense of direction, remember landmarks and know my North from my South. I enjoy the occasional wrong turning as it helps you learn and explore new places.

I know so many people who use the Sat-Nav to get them to the shops down the road 3 or 4 times a week and despite doing the same journey many times still need to use it! I think it de-skills people and stops people thinking for themselves - ask @WendyS_Bromford about this - she gets it!

As I moved to a new job just over 8-months ago and had to get used to some new geographical areas, I have used the Sat-Nav a few times. I will admit that sometimes this has saved me, and got me places a lot quicker. But......I just don't like it.

You see, I like going off-route, even when walking the dog. I want to travel the road that is less travelled - take the unexpected pathway and surprise people, sometimes even me. It was this sort of moment that led me to join Mayday Trust (@MaydayTrust) just over 8 months ago. Sometimes if those pathways aren't available where you are, you have to forge your own.

When I look back on my life, there have been key moments of 'route re-calculations' that have changed the course of my life, and of others. Was this scary at times? Yes, and uncertain, and sometimes painful, often liberating, but it has all been part of my journey of who I am and where I am going next.

I am going through one of those moments right now - wondering about the next path to take - the direction, the timing, the what-ifs and the what-nots. I am not talking about where to go on holiday but the bigger stuff - the stuff that is sometimes hard to say out loud.

And it was partly triggered by a tweet by @Nigelrisner, who is bloody good at posting a challenging kick up the arse tweet - at least once a week! I recommend you follow him - his work keeps me in the room ;-)

This isn't really a rant post about Sat-Navs (although I have put it to good use on that subject) but one about new directions, next steps, change, taking risks and listening to that quiet inner voice. This year was designated to be the year for being brave and for being different so Anna, it's time to step up to the plate......

So as I am working through my next 'Route Re-calculation' - (watch this space) - I will continue to enjoy making the Sat-Nav work hard, confusing the dog with new walks and hoping that you too will be brave and courageous in forging your pathways this year............