Recalculating...
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 10:08AM 
“Recalculating…” That’s one of my Garmin’s favorite sayings.
Garmin and I agree upon a desired location, and off we go together. But I am the one in control. I can choose to follow the directions so eloquently voiced by my faithful GPS friend, or I can choose to go a different route. It’s completely up to me, and I like that.
Occasionally, I even drive a different route just for the entertainment of hearing good ole Garmin trying to get me back on course. “Recalculating … turn left on Sycamore Street.” Oops, I didn’t turn. “Recalculating … turn left on Walnut Street.” Nope, I still didn’t turn. Finally, Garmin gives in. “Continue 26.4 miles to Highway 14.” On we go together, with Garmin now apparently comfortable with the change of plans.
Sometimes I feel like I have experienced a troubling change in my role. It seems I have been relegated to Garmin’s spot and someone else has taken over the wheel of the vehicle that is my life.
As I am cruising along, executing the turns and straight-a-ways on my carefully crafted life plan, I suddenly realize I’m not in control like I imagined I was.
What road am I on now? This was not in the plan. “Recalculating … turn right on Easy Street.” Wait, we’re not turning! Who’s in the driver’s seat? “Recalculating … turn left on Comfort Drive.” Missed that turn too. “Recalculating … continue on Life Lesson Lane.” This street looks kind of familiar.
By Sandy Tush, Senior Facilitator
Reader Comments (2)
Sandy, thanks for the great post! One of the things I've often observed you doing is journaling. I would think keeping a journal, a record of thoughts, feelings, learnings, reactions, memories... would be helpful when taking an unexpected detour. Unfortunately, I don't journal frequently... hmm, convicting. I would like to journal more.
Love my Garmin. My wife and I chose the British female voice and named her Sylvia.
Building on Sandy's idea... 1 feature I love is when you are supposed to take a turn - then run into construction that prevents it. Happened to me in downtown Chicago (Sandy's favorite place). The exit to Wacker Drive off the Eisenhower was closed. "Recalculating..." Fortunately, I knew my way around enough that I could navigate while that took place. However unexpectedly, Sylvia lost her mind downtown. Not sure if it was satellite interference or what but she was no help. I knew I was south of the river and wanted to get north of it before looking for parking. Even in familiar area - I had lost my bearings. I knew where I was but didn't know which way was north. Fortunately, I pulled out my iPhone, hit the compass App and then knew which direction to head. Found the lot I wanted, made my lunch appointment. Happy ending.
So - when the turns take an unexpected route and the primary system you're relying on is failing (and even in familiar territory), how do you find "true North"? All of us need to know what that is and how to find it.