The Compass Within

The idea of using the compass metaphor struck me when one of my teachers showed me the answer scripts she was marking. Mind you, we are not teaching the kids geography, but English. The kids were given a map of Australia, and even the signs that had 4 compass points, and all they had to do was to name the places as requested on the map. For example, what is the city furthest north found on the map...Alas, a large number was unable to do this. Even with the given compass points, they simply cannot find the intended destination.

Lets then think about the bigger picture...do we realise that within each of us, we have a compass that can actually lead us to where we want to go? We do have the bearings that can show us the way... But, how many of us really know how to use this tool effectively? Do you even know that it exists, and why have we not bothered to use it to our advantage when we find ourselves 'lost'?

2 basic things are crucial here.
First, self-awareness and being able to recognise what exactly is this compass within. Then to learn about its 'functions' as a navigating tool, and use it to our advantage.

Okay...we often hear expressions that 'life is a long, rough road', or 'you've got to travel many miles to reach your destination in life', and many others that describe life as a continuous journey. Well...where are we heading for in the first place? How do we get there? And how and when will we be able to say, "I have finally arrived!" ? Does reaching a destination really mean that you have truly 'arrived'?

I know that I am asking questions that I may not really be able to answer. Maybe the answer will come as I travel through my time here on Earth, but...what I do know is that, I can shape a purpose for my existence. Your hopes and your dreams are just pit stops you want to head to, milestones you want to reach at different points in your life. So you need to be able to steer your way to finding the most meaningful direction that would help you reach that destination.

How do we recognise the compass within? I think it is the values and principles that we uphold. That is why, those of you who are parents out there, your responsibility is great. The best gift you can bestow upon a child is the inculcation of good, sound moral values. Activate the strongest 'compass' within and set the bearings right. So that even in the most trying of times, a child will be able to find his way through, and remain intact. He will become a survivor because of the compass in him.

In the early years, the parents play the role of the 'navigator'. The child is under 'your wing' and help him through. Teach him about resilience, empathy, honesty, tolerance, determination, patience, understanding,...oh so many things. Equip him with life's skills that he can use through his existance.

Yes, you protect the child, but don't 'cripple' him that he doesn't know how to solve his own problems. You lead and guide the child well, cos their internal compass points to you as the direction they follow. Show them how to find their way through the most challenging of obstacles, how to weather the stormiest of seas, and pick themselves up when they fall...until they learn to navigate on their own.

For the rest of us, no matter at what stage of life we are at, do we have a good, working compass within? Have we been able to identify our destinations? What is your vision? Are you always moving towards that vision?

A lot of people tend to feel discontented, discouraged and dissatisfied because they have not really grabbed hold of a vision for themselves. A powerful vision guides you ...for that is a destination you want to reach...and you must want it so badly, that you will really do whatever it takes to get there, no matter how long it takes, no matter how hard it becomes.

Do remember the words of a wise man who said, " Happiness, wealth & success are by-products of goal-setting; they cannot be the goal themselves."

Remember what I keep on saying about Choices & Responsibilities? We all 'react' when we are in a difficult situation. Either we think and wish for 'the good old days', 'daydream about what might be' if things did not go right, get paralysed by our own fears and lack of self-belief, or choose to face the problem in the face, and transform it...choose to be make the best of whatever situation we are in.

I hope that today's entry will be meaning to some people. And this is also a way for me to reach out to my kids out there who are feeling 'lost' at the moment. Take stock of your compass...sometimes it is ok that we get derailed, or have veered off course... And if you fall, pick yourself up from the fall, tend to the 'wounds and injuries' ...rest if you need to...and then walk towards the right direction again...

All of you are destined for something great. It is up to you. Find the compass within, and you are set to find your way.