If Life Gave You an Open Road

If life gave you an open road, which side of the road would you choose? In life we have choices. We are presented with options every single day, multiple times per day. An open road can lead us so many places, whether it’s moving forward in a different direction, or choosing to go back. Continue reading to explore your options.

Open roads have two lanes

Open roads have two lanes, one going forward, and one going back. If you read my post yesterday, you know that I talk about steps to move forward in life and how empowering it can be. 

I want you to take a moment and visualize with me. Picture an open road with calm serene settings around. Maybe that road has hills, maybe it’s flat. Maybe there are mountains in the distance, or maybe it leads to the ocean. Either way, picture an open road. 

Now, on that road there are two lanes. One leading you closer to whatever is off in the distance or one leading you back to where you came from. These two lanes represent choices. They represent the path you’ll take leading to your next phase of life. Because after all, every new era of life requires a different version of you.

Open roads are like choices

You have two choices when it comes to a two lane open road. The choice to move forward, or the choice to go back. Envision the choice to move forward meaning a life that serves you well. Envision the road going back meaning a life that got you to where you are today. 

If you’re not satisfied with your life, I welcome you to choose the lane that takes you forward. One line we use in our household often comes from Mad Men, it’s when Don Draper says “my life only moves in one direction; forward.” 

Which lane will serve you best?

Let’s look at both lanes for a moment. Let’s say you choose the lane going back to what’s gotten you where you are today. Think about that for a moment and ask yourself these questions.

• Are you completely satisfied with your life?
• Do you feel excited to begin each day knowing what’s ahead? 
• Are you just going through the motions on autopilot?

If you’re not satisfied with your life, it’s time to think about choosing the lane that’s going forward. You don’t necessarily need to know what’s at the end of the road. Figuring it out is part of the journey.

Choosing the lane moving forward

Now, let’s say you know your current life is not serving you well and you’d like to choose the lane moving forward. It’s completely normal to be excited with this choice but it shouldn’t be made without some consideration. First, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on why you’re making this choice. Consider the questions below.

• Are the choices I’ve made up to this point leading me to my best life?
• Do I feel frustrated like something is holding me back?
• If the rest of my life remained the way it is today would I be happy?

These questions may be easy to answer but the answers may be a tough pill to swallow. It’s ok for the answers to feel heavy. It’s ok for them to feel less than you hoped for.

Open roads are full of possibility

No matter which lane you choose, there is possibility. Possibility of going back to what has gotten you to where you are currently, or possibility of a whole new life. We’re going to focus on the lane moving forward here. Think of it as an adventure that is waiting to serve you. 

As a certified Enneagram coach, I work with countless corporate clients to enhance their professional and personal development. The choice to work with me comes from their desire to choose the lane moving forward. They know they want to make positive change but aren’t sure how or where to start.

I’ve coached somewhere around 100 people in the last two years and I’ve never had a session where someone didn’t want to choose the lane forward. 

It’s full of destiny, fulfilled dreams, and happiness. But it’s up to you to choose that lane moving forward.

Feeling empowered to choose your lane

Have you ever heard the phrase “stay in your lane?” This is where we’re going to throw that phrase out. You are empowered to choose the lane moving forward because it’s your life and you’re in control. You don’t need permission from anyone but yourself to choose.

The open road ahead is yours for the taking and it’s waiting for you. It welcomes you with open arms and is ready for the adventure ahead. It comes with no judgment, assumptions, or questions. Only possibility for what lies ahead and it’s ready when you are. 

Summary

Are you completely satisfied with your life? Which lane of the open road will you choose? What does it look like? Will you be driving a convertible with the top down in the lane moving forward? The warm sun and air embracing you as you set out on your journey?

Or will you choose the lane that’s led you to your current life? Consider all of this as you move throughout your day and even the next week. I know which lane I’m choosing – it’s the one moving forward.

If you found this post helpful, please let me know!

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