Where is my roadmap? Or, I guess I should ask where is my GPS?

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I could use Google Maps or MapQuest, Bing Maps or one of the many device app maps that are available to me.
At times, I ask where is my map?
My generation and generations before me used the Rand McNally paper maps when we traveled. I guess these paper maps are now obsolete; but one can still receive them from their website. If you are interested in a US Map, State Map, Regional Map or any other map, check out Rand McNally’s website – RAND MCCALLY STORE
Recently I was thinking about needing a map for life or maybe the correct word is roadmap. For me there are times in my life I thought I needed a map of sorts – something to help me along the way – something to assist me in finding my destination.
Through my life there have been side destinations that were reached or short visits until I was ready to move again to the final destination. That final destination I am referring to is death.

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Death the final destination has been on my mind for all my life and the road to it at times very rough. I need a map to help me and at times it was made available to me in some form.
There is really no map available to us that explains where to go, what turns to make and when we should come to a complete stop before moving again. Yes, I know there are religious texts, self-help books and other printed media that can help us, provide advice, and steer us to a better life.
I ask sometimes, what good is a map going to do for me? It cannot foresee all that is ahead of me on the road; the obstacles, the accidents and the hazards and yes, the detours.
Many times I have driven without a map and just drove being careful along the way and making my way down this road of life. I have made many mistakes; taken several wrong turns and made bad decisions that took me down roads that were dark and filled with unknowns.

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I ask that those mistakes, wrong turns and bad decisions not be used against me once the final destination is reached. Today and most likely tomorrow I will continue to make some bad decisions and make some wrong turns and again the road at times will seem long.
There is no Rand McNally Map, GPS or device app, no roadmap or book that explains where to go and what turns to make; just manuals to guide us along the way.
Lovely post. Hope you are recovering well. I try to not look back too often at crossroads in my life but there are a few I wonder “What if???” but then look around me and think I wouldn’t be here with the people I love.
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Thank you, and yes I feel the same way – I am here today which is where I am supposed to be. Happy Thursday! 🙂
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Just take it a day at a time Terry! Sometimes it might even be hour by hour or moment by moment, and life my throw in some twists and turns and go off your intended route, but if you go with it and cherish each moment, it may just end up being the perfect journey. 🙂
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Yes, I know you are correct Jodi, I most likely am on the prefect journey. Happy Thursday! 🙂
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doesn’t always feel perfect though – eh?! ❤
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So very true Terry! There is no way to know, no map! My mom used to sit out on the porch with her map and show us where we would be going on vacations! She talked about the towns, the motels etc. But as you said life is just not like that. Hope you are recovering well xxx
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Lynn, what a wonderful memory you have about you and your mom – thank you for sharing it. Happy Thursday! 🙂
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Thanks dear xx
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Excellent post. I can relate. Have a great day and trust in your sense of direction. 😀
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Thank you Amanda, I appreciate you stopping by today – I hope all is well with you. 🙂
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Well, if you have my GPS, it actually tells you when there is congestion, an accident or a faster route. LOL
If I had been blessed with a Rand McNally map or a GPS that would have indicated my lifes’ obstacles, wrecks and wrong turns, I would be in an entirely different world.
Sometimes, though…you just have to fly by the seat of your pants. I’ve done that a few times and ended up a thousand miles from where I was going….which was just two miles up the road.
Sure, you’ll make wrong turns now and then…but when you finally get back on the right road….isn’t it glorious?
I hope you are well. Hugs to you and Gary.
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LOL, oh yes – glorious! Thanks Laurel, Gary and I are doing well, I hope you are to. 🙂
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Sorry I have been away for so long, glad to read you are slowly getting better. I used to love reading the big Rand McNally atlas when I was a kid!
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No problems being away Gary, life gets busy and thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I am behind on reading posts for the past couple of weeks and it is taking me awhile to catch-up. I intended to comment on one of your posts about your upcoming marriage – but was having technological issues with the comment. Congrats, and hope you have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
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Believe, Don’t Give Up!
For every downhill battle, there will be an uphill victory.
For every backward tread, there will be a forward initiative.
For every letdown, there will be contentment.
For every tear, there will be a smile.
Sometimes what seems to be the end, could be just a beginning.
Life is full of endless detours and turnarounds
Giving up is not an option. Never was, never will be.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”. Albert Einstein.
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Well said Tink – Thank you. Happy Thursday! 🙂
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Believe, Don’t Give Up!
For every downhill battle, there will be an uphill victory.
For every backward tread, there will be a forward initiative.
For every letdown, there will be contentment.
For every tear, there will be a smile.
Sometimes what seems to be the end, could be just a beginning.
Life is full of endless detours and turnarounds
Giving up is not an option. Never was, never will be.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”. Albert Einstein.
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I am assuming this is a repeat of your earlier comment – thanks Tink. 🙂
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Posted twice in error😊
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No problem dear! 🙂
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My dear Terry, scary as it is, we are all the map-makers of our lives rather than map-readers. You are travelling a challenging landscape right now, but I know you will persevere and soon find a vantage point to look back on and say “I did that.” And we’ll all be here cheering for you. Kia Kaha my friend.
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Su, I really like your words ‘we are the map-makers of our lives’. That resonates with me and thank you for your very kind comment. Happy Thursday! 🙂
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This is a thought-provoking post.
If there was a roadmap to life, would I want to have it? I don’t think so – sometimes those wrong turns have been well worth it for what I learned, and who knows if taking a side trip actually put me on the better road to the final destination at some point. It may not be the most direct route, but I’m not in a hurry to get there, so even those turns that seem boring and mundane aren’t ones I should take for granted!
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Sarah, I love your response – the wrong turns, well maybe they were not really wrong turns. Your comment and your outlook, they brighten my day. 🙂
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It’s the least I can do – you brighten my days!
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So well said, Terry, no roadmap for one’s life. I was thinking about those AAA triptik things…where they show all the detours, road construction, pitfalls, etc. and all the hotels/restaurants along the way…we used those to cross the US…twice ! Nice piece.
And for me, the paper map is still the best. I know so many who have gotten lost using GPS.
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The paper maps bring back many great memories of road trips as a child. Thanks Van, I always appreciate you reading and commenting – Happy Thursday! 🙂
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I love paper maps. Used to do a lot of work with Australia’s national mapping organisation. Even they couldn’t come up with a roadmap for life, so I guess we just have to keep winging it. Thinking of you, and sending hugs and spoons.
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Yes, paper maps, they were very useful, except I could never fold them back correctly. Oh well, thanks Peggy – I appreciate the hugs and spoons! 🙂
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We used a Rand-McNally atlas (paper) on our travels across the US of A for six months in 1993, what would we have done without it?? No GPS back then of course. And here you are, with no GPS but guess what Terry, you have AMAZING friends to help guide you through the missed and wrong turns and won’t even skip a beat if you do! I hope you are having a wonderful day, my friend. xoxo
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Kathryn, I miss those paper maps, but GPS makes our lives easier – most of the time. Thanks my dear friend for your amazing support – I appreciate you very much. 🙂
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I truly believe that there is no judgment at the end Terry. Its such a medieval way of thinking! Live each day as well as you can. Let go of anger and resentment and focus on gratitude for the good things – big and small. Love will guide you along the path 💛
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Thank you Val, I truly enjoy your comment – such words of wisdom and a good way to live life. Happy Thursday! 🙂
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I can definitely relate to this. Many many times in my life I have wanted that road map to steer me in the right direction, having been so tired of the mistakes, bad decisions and hurt caused. I guess the road map is us, our life, and I guess we are meant to make the wrong turns, in order to finally get to our right destination.
Have a restful day my friend. 🙂 x
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Lynne, your comment is similar to Sus. She wrote these words ‘we are all the map-makers of our lives rather than map-readers’. May sound a little silly, but I want you to know you bring joy to my life – I appreciate you! 🙂
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Thank you for always making me feel special. I appreciate you too. 🙂
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May you be guided well
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Thank you Derrick, and you as well my friend. 🙂
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One day at a time is my motto. We can map our lives only to a certain extent and then try to avoid the ruts in the road. Keep smiling.
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Oh yes – great comment Engenia, and yes, I keep smiling. 🙂
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The journey of life itself is beautiful. Of course, there are ups and downs and tempests and misfortunes…but the happiness of recovering from all the dangers would have been finished if there was a life map…. isn’t it?
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Yes, I do agree with you Maniparna – very nice and inspiring comment. Have a happy day my friend! 🙂
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Great post, Terry! There are many wrong-turns in all our lives but without them we wouldn’t be who we now are, and I actually would be afraid to find a map that´s showing me where my life is headed. I think it´s better to drive around the corner wondering what might come next 😉 Have a happy weekend! xxx
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Thank you Sarah, you are right of course, it is better to not know where our life is heading. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment – always happy to see you. 🙂
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As am I to see you!! 🙂 Have a lovely day, Terry! xxx
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