Well, it’s that time of year again. I’m not sure whether it’s the planetary alignment or if it’s because I’m on the cusp of another birthday, but it feels like it’s time to reassess and re-evaluate life and the direction to take on the next leg of the journey. Although this time, it seems as if I’m not alone in this life re-evaluation.

After talking to many friends and some of my students, it seems re-evaluation is on the cards for many. Have we all suddenly arrived at a crossroad and are not sure which way to turn? Unfortunately, I don’t hold all of the answers, however I believe that we are each on a pathway of discovery.

Each time we stop and re-evaluate our lives, it seems a bit like looking at the map. We look back to see where we’ve been, and we are pleased to have travelled so far. Then we look forward on the map and see many roads before us offering so many choices to help us reach our destination. Which road do we take? Which road to choose?

It’s a difficult decision, but to remain standing in the same place leads to nowhere, stagnation. We become disenchanted, disillusioned with life, confused, and at times downright miserable. Sometimes it takes a lot of soul searching in order to get back on track and know the right path to take. That said, who is to say that any of the roads that lie before us are wrong? We will eventually end up at the right destination, but perhaps by a different route than the one we first imagined.

It doesn’t matter which road we choose to take, there will no doubt be trials and tribulations, hurdles, hills and valleys. The important thing is what we learn from the journey. If we continue to learn and to grow, we move forward. If we keep repeating the same old habits, then we keep chasing our own tail, getting nowhere fast.

The next question might be, how do I stop the merry-go-round and get back on the rollercoaster? Sometimes it takes many failed attempts and much falling flat our face before we can land gracefully on our and feet and hence back on the journey trail. The only things we can do are to dust ourselves off and try again. Seize every opportunity and make the most of it.

If it doesn’t work out, try Plan B. There’s always a Plan B, right? Perhaps not everyone has a Plan B, because we all want to strive for the best. That’s not to say that Plan B is not as good as Plan A. It might well be equally as good and it may turn out to be the better way to continue the journey, despite what our long cherished illusions might have led us to believe.

Things don’t always go to plan. Yet everything happens for a reason. All we can do, in reality, is plan to make the best out of the cards we’ve been dealt. Believe. Stay strong, Love and respect yourself. Enjoy the little things. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Don’t give up…