A Bit of Tinkering

Thoughts on the value of going off course.

Lost as hell and exactly where you’re meant to be. 

Have you ever been there? 

It always starts with a plan. A vision of how things will go. And then, before you know it… 

You’re in the woods, up to your ankles in fallen leaves. You thought you were taking the right route, but where is the next trail blaze? How did you get this far off the path? But then you look around and you see the lake. You see a little toad hopping along. You see the red leaves still clinging to the trees, and you realize you’re getting a vantage point that very few ever see. 

Before you know it…

You’re moving to a town you’ve never heard of. You thought you were going to move to Scotland with your old Corgi. Instead, you’re in a new house, in a new life, with your new Australian Shepherd puppy. All because you said yes to the madness. And you see how this is nothing like what you planned–and how wonderful it all is. Suddenly you’re making friends and creating events where people feel welcome to be themselves. You’re following your true calling. You realize this was exactly where you were meant to be. 

Before you know it…

You’re walking away from a life and a partner you can’t pretend to love anymore. You’re moving into a new space and taking a giant step into the unknown. You’re making peace with the terrifying truth that you have no idea what comes next. You’re following your heart, even when it doesn’t make sense. You’re saying yes to life, eating poutine, and reveling in friendship and fun. You’re feeling actualized at last. And you realize that you are right on time with it all. 

“All that glitters is not gold, and not all who wander are lost.” -Tolkien

I would suggest that the true value of a journey is not the end point, but rather what you learn about yourself along the way. I wonder how often we miss the actual point of an experience because we are focused on the outcome. 

There’s great value in tinkering. In playing around with something despite having no end goal in mind. Just experimenting to see what happens when you’re doing it. Tinkering opens our mind to new ideas and new strategies for problem-solving. Engaging in play keeps our neural nets more expansive. 

This can be anything. Taking an unfamiliar route to work. Painting or drawing (even doodling) without a guide or even vision of what you’re creating. Dancing to music by letting your body move freely. So, so many more! 

To be fair, tinkering is not the same as making a massive life change, such as the ones mentioned above. But I think the two concepts are tied because they’re both about an unclear outcome. I think the ability to be playful, rather than rooted, allows adaptability and resilience that assists us when the big changes hit. 

Sometimes, it doesn’t happen in that order. Sometimes the big change hits, and then we learn how to play. I certainly did when I flipped the table on my own life years ago. I was so sure I knew what was what. So certain that I was living life appropriately. Then, I went and questioned everything. 

And I burned down that old life. 

But I learned to play as I questioned. And because of that, I didn’t look at it as an ending, but rather a beginning. And that’s made all the difference in the world. 

So the next time you set out on adventure, leave a little room for tinkering, why don’t you? I bet you get something out of it you never saw coming. 

(These thoughts brought to you by a day spent with a friend, wandering epically off course, and winding up with a perfect adventure even so.)

YOUR TURN

When are you comfortable getting a little lost? Is playfulness a regular part of your life?

Reflect in the comments!