Do you love maps? I do, I have a couple framed on my walls at home, places which are very special to me, I enjoy just looking them, following the lines and contours to plan purely imaginary journeys. I also like books with maps on the inside cover page, they start my literary meanderings even before I begin to read.

But beginning a real journey now that’s a different story, those who know me best would tell you I get a bit ‘stressy’; different modes of transport result in varying levels of stress:

Level 1: Travel by car

All fine, I’m in control, the boot will be packed brilliantly, music downloaded, map or satnav checked, ready to go, no bother.

Level 2: Travel by train

Hmmm, well too many variables to cope with: it could be running late, someone maybe sat in my seat, I may have to stand, what if it’s cancelled and I miss my connection?

Level 3: Travel by plane

Deep breaths, hot sweats, worry, anxiety; just not in control of anything. Argggghhhhh!

 But what about our individual life journeys? How many times have you heard people talk about ‘their journey’, the experiences which have brought them ‘to this point’? If I’m honest hearing this always causes me to roll my eyes, cynical I know!

But, do you ever think about yours? I can’t say that I have, I’ve been too busy just getting on with it; but maybe taking the time to think, reflect and consider is helpful.

My personal journey has been a bit of a stumble through life, enjoying the flat, easy to navigate highways and byways as well as trying to overcome the uphill struggles which everyone must face and then there has been those occasional off roading moments which caught me unawares.

Mapping things out and planning have always featured highly in my approach to my personal and work life; it helps me feel in control and able to meet deadlines and prioritise ‘stuff’. But I often ask myself has it stopped me enjoying the spontaneous ‘stuff’, you know just doing things because the moment presents itself? Jumping in the car and simply heading off on an adventure? Catching a plane or train and seeing where it takes you? If I’m honest just the thought of it freaks me out! I like to know where I’m going, how long it will take, what I’ll be doing once I’m there.

The past few months have been difficult, all the road markers, the milestones which make up our lives changed, frequently, sometimes without much notice. Everything we knew, the scenery which we were so used to suddenly became unfamiliar, scary, emotional and challenging.

We will never forget this journey, it’s been a shared experience but one which everyone experienced very differently and we will respond and react differently during the next few weeks and months.

Hopefully, we will have a collective roadmap to help us return to more familiar ground. A plan which we can use to safely and confidently to reconnect with family, friends, and all those people we love and have missed.

The reunions will be amazing and I can’t wait!

Wendy Smith MBE