Should we turn around?

I went on a bike ride with a friend the other day. In the middle of our ride, we got to one of the “Slow Streets” that have been created in San Francisco in response to Covid-19 stay home orders. These are streets that are blocked off for bikers, runners and walkers and do not allow through vehicle traffic, hence allowing more space for people to focus on their movement. I love these streets - except when I am in a car and have to drive way around to get to where I am going , then I do not love them.

During this bike ride, we got to a place where there was construction blocking the middle of the road and the only way to get around was to go up on the sidewalk. “Should we turn around?,” my friend asked. My response was, “No way! We came this far, let’s just go around it!” We dismounted our bikes, walked up on the sidewalk, got back on and kept going. We ended up in a neighborhood that I have never seen before with colorful houses, interesting architecture and quaint yards. The farther we went, the more we saw, and the more grateful I was that we didn’t let the construction stop us.

It got me thinking of the times in my life that something in the road may have stopped my forward momentum. But instead of turning back, I figured out a way to go around to get to the other side. Like the time that I chose to pick up my life and move across the country despite the 54 hour cross-country drive and uncertainty of what the future held. Or the time I decided to start writing the book despite the fear of putting my message out there and it not being good enough. Or the time I came out to my family despite the uncertainty of how that would impact our relationship. Or the time I left a job to start a new one in a town where I only knew two people despite the voice in my head telling me to stay put in the comfortable job I was in.

Often, the other side of an obstacle is where the awesome is. It is where the promotion lies, the best friend lives, the laughter sits and the connections become stronger. The obstacle itself may be what stops you from moving forward, but it also may be the thing that pushes you to realize how badly you want to see what is on the other side. What is on the other side of that first date? What is on the other side of that puppy adoption? What is on the other side of that “hello” to the stranger sitting next to you? What is on the other side of that job application? What is on the other side of that difficult conversation?

Is there a roadblock you are staring down? Is it one that you want to turn away from? Is it one that you can go around or over or under? What is stopping you from trying? Fear? Uncertainty? Inner critic voices? Another person? Self doubt?

I encourage you to take a look at any road block - even the small speed bumps that are stopping or slowing your forward momentum. Decide how you will get through or go around it. Whatever it is on the other side may very well be worth it.

You got this. Keep going. Your future self will thank you.