Whenever I see the compass, I think of my sister’s hands holding it as she backpacked, kayaked, and canoed the McKenzie River in Canada. She and a friend took on this massive adventure in the summer of 2004. 

It required lots of organizing – attention to details that included shipping a canoe and kayaks ahead to two different destinations. Using detailed map river and topographical maps, they identified which small communities they would arrive in, where they would need to shift from the shared canoe to individual kayaks to accommodate changing river conditions, and had to estimate the provisions they would need along the way. 

This was such a massive undertaking. 

They carried their camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, fishing gear, and tools along with them. They also had layered clothing and their food. Wildlife and wild places offered the opportunity for great beauty along with challenging risks. 

Overall, they were reliant on their own outdoor skills, knowledge, and physical bodies to carry them through the experience of making daily progress, getting rest, and arriving safely at their destination. Both had a set amount of time for this adventure before needing to return to work when they were done. 

Trust your compass 

I think of all the planning and preparation that went into that big adventure. Time spent pouring over maps, thinking of every possible detail for what would be needed. The skills of camping, using a compass, paddling, and anticipating changing conditions and what would be needed to handle them. I think of living in all that adventure was for my sister. (And the mystery of it for those of us waiting at home while she traveled without access to phone service.) the excitement and the uncertainty are all part of the allure. 

Even thinking of it now, I marvel at the courage, inspiration, and risk it took to take on this trip. I love that my sister did it! 

Embedded in all of this is a level of trust that things would work out. That the details would come together. Food would arrive where they planned to stop. Fish could be caught and consumed. They would find the firewood they’d need for the day’s campfire. That each of them would remain healthy. That it would be rewarding and provide inner fuel for living beyond McKenzie River. 

Musing on all of this, I watched a YouTube video on the basics of using a compass. I’d had training long ago but felt the need for a refresher course. In the end, the presenter said, “Trust your compass.” He reminded me that sometimes we think we know where we are or where we are going – and we forget this basic principle. 

That thinking can lead us astray when we should remain true to the direction the compass is pointing. 

In these challenging times, what is your compass? Is it your inner knower? Is it the resources you have at hand such as family, a spouse, friends, or parents? Is it found family that you are close to? Is it mindfulness practices? Is it exercise that helps you move your body and clear your mind? Is it self-care practices? 

Is it connecting with your faith life and a faith community? Seeking through scripture, worship, prayer, and meditation to connect with God? What grounds you and helps you discern your sense of direction? Who or what do you choose to guide your process? 

A life coach is a resource for finding your way to your inner compass. By holding a safe and sacred space, a life transition coach can sit with you in the deep questions you may be exploring. Can offer you insights, actions, and strategies for leaning into your own compass. Whether you are preparing to navigate a big life adventure or moving through a closer-to-home change, a life coach is a way to “trust your compass.” 

Connect with me through the links on this page to set up a discovery session where we will explore together what coaching might look like for you.