Accept life's twists and turns as part of the journey

Have you ever walked on The Great Wall of China?

It's truly an amazing experience and one that I was lucky enough to have in my 30s as I raised money for a charity called WhizzKidz in the UK which helps children who need mobility equipment. Although exhilarating, the journey was full of twists and turns, ups and downs which sometimes mirrored my emotions as I struggled on from one guard tower to another carrying my heavy rucksack.

But the undulations in the road, both vertical and horizontal served a purpose - to get me from where I was, to where I wanted to be; from one stunning viewpoint to another, which I would have been unable to do going in straight lines! The twists and turns were a necessity, to help me climb the steep inclines safely, and to find the easiest path, not necessarily the straightest one. And if I'm honest, they were all much more than that too, for around each corner was something new to discover, a different vista with a scent of its own, a view to look back on to see how far I'd come, or an inspiration to spur me on.

Life's twists and turns

Life has its own twists and turns and ups and downs which we can sometimes deride as 'hard times' or 'marking time'. Whether it's a personal goal, a professional achievement, or even a physical journey, we rarely travel in straightforward lines. Even the railway tracks bend and twist with the lie of the land.

It's these very twists and turns that make the journey worthwhile and ultimately shape who we become. Or rather, it's how we view these twists and turns that has the biggest impact.

Embracing the Journey

In an ideal world, many of us would like our paths to be smooth and direct although they rarely are. The shortest way through the mountains is to blast them away or go through a tunnel. However, that is rarely the most entertaining or engaging way. Destroying the mountain destroys your chance to appreciate nature, and a tunnel is often very boring and monotonous.

Winding your way around the nooks and crannies of the natural landscape gives you a far greater chance of seeing new things, learning something new, or just giving you the chance to appreciate the journey you're on. The same is true of life; sometimes you need to stop and appreciate the journey, regardless of the destination. Each step of our life journey is influenced by a myriad of factors—some within our control, others entirely beyond it. The detours, obstacles, and unexpected events we encounter along the way are not just challenges to overcome; they are opportunities for growth and learning - as long as we can view them in that way.

The Importance of Flexibility

One of the most valuable traits to cultivate on any journey is flexibility. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances can make the difference between giving up or finding a new way forward. Flexibility allows us to pivot when faced with obstacles and to reassess our goals and strategies. It teaches us that there is no single "right" path to our destination; instead, there are multiple routes, each with their own set of experiences and lessons. There may be diversions, we may have to retrace our steps or go somewhere we never intended to, but each of these will be opportunities if viewed as such. And remember, there is always a way!

Learning from Setbacks

Setbacks are also an inevitable part of any journey. In a journey through the mountains, it can be a stream we can't cross, a broken bridge or a landslide. In life, it could be a failed business venture, a personal disappointment, or an unforeseen life event. While these setbacks can be disheartening, they also offer invaluable lessons. Each setback provides an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and rebuild with newfound wisdom. My daughter is currently in hospital and we are constantly waiting to hear what the next twist and turn in her recovery will be. But that is OK. I choose to believe that everything will work out in the end, and that these moments are fleeting opportunities to view life from a different perspective. I've met new people, discovered the inner workings (or not) of the NHS, and had the chance to reconnect with old friends who have come to visit.

Embracing setbacks as part of the process can help us develop resilience and perseverance and we must always remember that it is within our power to choose how to regard a setback - as "a stumbling block or a stepping stone", as the famous poem says.

So, whatever you are facing today, be it a twist or turn in the road, a high court order or a family member in hospital, take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and cherish every step of your journey, trusting that it will all work out in the end.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Gail