Updating our Map of Life

Scott Peck, the brilliant American psychiatrist, highlighted how we build mental maps to navigate life from the moment we develop reason and understanding as children. As we grow, these maps need refreshing with new insights and experiences. Our childhood is a time of openness, absorbing everything to learn and grow, but adulthood often brings stubbornness, closing us off to new information.

Some people decide they know it all as adults, rejecting any new ideas. They stop updating their life's map and cease questioning whether their dreams and goals have evolved since their teenage years.

Life doesn’t always follow our plans, especially those crafted by a fifteen-year-old with sky-high expectations.

I never imagined my brother would pass away so young. I didn’t foresee still struggling to fund my studies at 29. I didn’t picture being married and then divorced soon after. I never thought I’d be starting over. So many setbacks and failed dreams. And then the big 'O' when I was diagnosed with endometriosis. So, how do I reshape my map? How do I grow and learn from this?

It seems all negative, right!? So, how do I keep a positive outlook? How does all this fit into one person, and how can this person transform their map for the better? First, ask yourself WHAT DO I WANT?

To answer that, first determine what you truly value. What’s most important to you?

I value love.

I value inspiring resilience.

I value family.

I value my mental wellbeing and happiness.

I value financial stability.

I value creativity.

I value a career that brings me joy.

How do I achieve this? Small steps, if big ones aren’t possible. Consistency in working towards it while also savoring the moments when I can be present.

So here’s the thing... If we refuse to change our perspective or life map, we’ll remain stagnant and never grow. We’ll become bitter and angry at the world and God for not fitting into our maps. We’ll try to force the world into submission with a victim mentality and a sense of entitlement.

Examine your map. Even when you’re exhausted and feel like giving up, change your perspective. When you’re tempted to ignore new information or turn a blind eye because learning is tough, persist. We spend more time resisting change than embracing it, which hinders our growth. Take a breath and redefine!

I wish you a flare-free day Endo warriors and a positive perspective for all.