Off Your Maps

Inside our heads is a series of maps and charted territory. Home, frequented jeepney stops, same old classrooms, a memorized cubicle, go-to restaurant chains, and in the cyberspace – social media channels, pirated movie sites, Wikipedia with its questionable credibility. Even our motions are outlined and routinely visited, think habits and tendencies; even our thoughts wind through familiar routes, think skill-building, seeing the world through your bias and belief, mindset.

Generally, we go through life staying within these mapped points, safe spaces, and comfort zones. Although this is okay, first, ask yourself: Are you happy, are you content, and most of all, are you growing? If not then it is time for you to venture out into undiscovered seas, my friend.

However, many cower over the untouched and the unknown for three reasons: the people’s say, an attachment to comfort, and a fear of newness.

The people’s say is expansive and can be incredibly influential. It can be strangers and their judgmental gazes, or it can be your family and their iron command over you. What we so often forget is that we ourselves have a say in what we say, feel, do, and end up becoming. Playing deaf to the voice inside your head that just wants joy, satisfaction, and growth is a disrespect to yourself. Listen to your own say sometimes, and let the rest become background noise. You deserve that.

Now, you may be set on what you want, but there remains our attachments to the comfortable and the familiar. What we must know is that our safe spaces, however relaxing and therapeutic, is not everything they seem. In a way, they are danger zones because although comfort can give you joy and contentment, excessive comfort threatens growth. This is why we must venture out every once in a while to uncharted territories and give ourselves space for change and growth. It’s nice to say we’re strong enough to grow where we are cozy, but we are not that strong.

Yet, what if you have a fear for newness? Overcome it. Step out of your outlined maps and charted seas. Risk unfamiliarity and unpredictability. Be uncomfortable. Usual train of thought goes like this: If I do something new, how can I be so sure it will do me good? The answer here is you don’t know for sure. But that’s the thing about stepping outside familiarity, it is not about the end outcome but the experiences and life lessons you get out of it.

People’s say, attachment to comfort, and fear of newness: all these factors mustn’t deter you, for off the maps is where explorers and growers are born.