When I Am Lost

Today’s question asks me to explore what I do when I am lost. Honestly, I rarely get lost anymore when driving because I generally do not go off my usual route without the aid of GPS. Now, there are times when I don’t know where I’m going when I’m walking…..that can be a different story.

When I was in Southern California, I was perpetually lost. These were the days before using GPS was commonplace. I knew that if I drove west from anywhere in the city, I would eventually find my way to a stretch of road that was familiar to me. If I got really lost, I would pick up my cell and dial Tiff’s number — even when she was in Chicago or Honolulu! — and ask her to get me back to the West Side. When my travels took me back as a visitor, I would generally either drag a fraternity brother with me to make sure I got where I needed to go or I would call Paulie and tell him to give me directions.

I’ve found myself in several unfamiliar surroundings recently. Travels to Europe last summer had me finally getting comfortable with a city’s general layout just as we were heading to our next destination. Each Fall’s trip to regional NATS competitions takes me to a new college campus that I am completely unfamiliar with. What’s my solution for getting around? I slap a city map, metro guide, or my performance schedule into the chest of a student standing nearby — usually Ryan, honestly — and tell him to get me where I need to go. In Europe, it was great fun to let the trio of students I ran around with navigate the city and explore some of the hidden corners that I would have missed otherwise. At NATS, I don’t have to worry about figuring out where all of the competition rooms are and can focus on the repertoire I have to play. While at UNT a few weeks ago, I was really thankful that Ryan and Erin helped me find the Starbucks and led me to Rita’s office for a much needed visit and hug.

So what do I do when I get lost? I turn to those I trust to guide me safely and quickly where I need to go. Ironic thing perhaps…..when I’m feeling lost in life — and feel as though the walls are caving in — the people I would call for directions to get me around in my car or on foot are also some of the first ones I reach out to for emotional support as well. I suppose that means that when I am lost — in whatever form it may take — I tend to turn to my most trusted friends.