How Do You Navigate the Roadblocks of Life?
Observing the way you navigate real roadblocks offers meaningful insight into managing the inevitable roadblocks that occur in life.
My Story
In last week’s newsletter, I shared that recently, on the only decent road to our home, someone hit the bridge causing structural damage.
Without notice, the state road crew declared the bridge unsafe, put up “Road Closed” signs, and barricaded it with concrete pillars.
Without question, the road is closed for the foreseeable future.
And yet, daily, I see vehicles driving past our house, completely ignoring the signs.
People pull up to the barricade, take stock of the situation, realize it’s for real, and then attempt to make a U‑turn on a one‑lane road.
Each time it happens, I want to flag them down and ask what they were thinking.
What goes through their minds as they drive past and disregard the “Road Closed” sign?
Whatever the reason, I’ve found a mini life lesson in the midst of this roadblock saga.
In life, we all encounter roadblocks. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
Observing how my family, strangers, and even I have navigated a very real roadblock has provided a bit of insight and wisdom about navigating the roadblocks we all eventually face.
Note: Today, the state road crew completely removed the bridge. It is gone.
First, the Emotions
There were plenty of emotions when I realized the main road out of our “holler” was closed.
Frustration, anger, disbelief.
I simply didn’t have time in my daily routine for this very real inconvenience.
I’m sure the people encountering the concrete barriers experienced the same steering‑wheel‑thumping emotions.
However, despite the emotions, nothing changed.
The road remained closed.
When navigating life’s roadblocks, you might need a minute.
You may need to feel all the emotions.
Just don’t get stuck there.
No amount of anger or frustration will change the situation.
Then, the Reaction
Proceed to the route.
Just like a GPS, our instinct is to proceed to the route—to hold on to hope and pray that if we simply keep going, the way will magically open up.
Hope is a wonderful thing.
However, ignoring the signs that a roadblock is imminent wastes time and makes turning around and choosing a different direction much harder.
Don’t give up hope, but heed the signs and know when to turn around.
Getting to Acceptance
In this instance, our family had no choice but to immediately accept the situation.
Not accepting it simply meant we were stuck in our “holler.”
Life is like that too.
Occasionally, we encounter a roadblock so huge, so massive, that immediate acceptance is the best course of action.
The sooner you accept it, the quicker you can reroute.
Refusing to accept the situation leaves you stuck.
Finally, the Reroute
Rerouting has been the most interesting part to observe.
There are three additional routes to a main road—none of them great.
Among the four adults in our family, we all have different opinions about which one is the “best way” out.
They all lead to a main road eventually, just by different paths.
Life is like that.
When we run into roadblocks, there may be more than one alternative route.
When faced with a choice, choose the route that’s right for you, not the one your friend or neighbor thinks you should take.
You’re the one who has to navigate your choice. Don’t get stuck navigating someone else’s.
How Do You Navigate the Roadblocks in Life?
Give it some thought.
The next time life puts up a roadblock, you might find you’re just a little better prepared to deal with it than you were before.
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