Yesterday we were driving back from Norfolk, where we had enjoyed a few days’ stay at a favourite caravan park. Husband at the wheel, me and Sat Nav. riding shot gun keeping an eye on the road with helpful directions.

Sat Nav: ‘At the roundabout, take the first exit.’

Me confirming: ‘You turn left at the roundabout.’

Husband: ‘No. That’s wrong. I’m going to ignore her.’

We go around the roundabout, taking the 3^rd turnoff and head in the opposite direction.

‘Rerouting.’

The Sat Nav tells us to do an about turn at the next roundabout. Fifteen minutes added to the journey. My husband reluctantly complies, but he is mentally kicking and screaming – a toddler being told, ‘No. We are not going where you want to go.’

As a parent, we know what’s best for our child. We know that the direction we are taking them in is exactly what they need – a nap maybe, or a treat they are not yet aware of. 

The Sat Nav was right. It was taking us home by the quickest and safest route.

As creatives, we often experience the anguish of being told No. That is not the route you are going to take. 

I am a great planner – a control freak. I’ve always been motivated and driven, working towards my goals with commitment and determination. But we cannot control where and how the products of our creativity will be received. Maybe you have a novel out on submission as you try to secure a publishing contract, or you are querying agents looking for representation. Maybe, like me, you think this is the one – your best work, bound for success. You imagine what that success looks like. You can already feel the gratitude, the uplifting feeling that at last you have arrived. Your foot is on the pedal as you anticipate the journey ahead. But No. The way ahead is barred.

When doors close; when the route we were so sure of leads to a dead end, it feels as though the world is against us. Like my husband, convinced he knows better than the Sat Nav, we believe the Universe is wrong. 

If we step back mentally and imagine we are the wise parent and not the screaming toddler, maybe we can self soothe with the belief that everything really is working out for us even though we cannot understand or see the bigger picture – right now. Trust that in time, all will become clear.

I am learning, and perhaps that is why I have to experience frustration; a relinquishing of my perceived control – in truth, we control very little of what will be. We just have to listen to the Sat Nav and trust it is the right road. 

Until next time, one dear one… take care of your beautiful self and trust the journey.

Deborah – The Mindful Writer. x