Although most people view being directionally challenged as a negative and given it definitely has its downsides and annoyances, I stand as living proof that being directionally challenged actually has some upsides as well. If you know me, you know that I’m the worst with directions. I’m talking getting lost in my hometown mall for 45 minutes. Multiple times.
So, here are some perks that are often overlooked for all you woes out there who are directionally challenged.
First, unexpected detours can actually result in fun and spontaneous adventures. People like us trust our iPhone Maps and GPS systems with our lives. GPS systems are a sign that God exists. However, whenever your phone dies or your GPS for some reason fails, this is a time to take advantage of the opportunity to explore new territory that you’ve never before seen. If you end up driving to a different state, that’s okay! You win some, you lose some.
Let’s discuss the subject of hotels next. For directionally challenged people, these things are death traps--endless mazes with identical doors and minimal directions. You can’t GPS your way out of a Marriott. If you find yourself in this unfortunate and semi-embarrassing situation, you might resort to knocking on the wrong hotel room door, either accidentally thinking it was your room or to ask for directions. In hindsight, this situation might seem a little uncomfortable, but you just might make a new friend from this experience. I once got lost in a Hyatt Regency and asked the maid who worked there for directions. We ended up striking up a conversation and becoming BFFS. Her name was Maria and she was a boss.
As a directionally challenged person, going for runs outside also can become problematic. I tend to use the treadmill, but if I’m feeling ambitious I’ll run outside. A two-mile run outside quickly becomes an eight-mile “run” (or desperate search for any sign of familiar civilization). If you’re having trouble imagining this, Leo in the Revenant can give you a good idea. But hey, at least it’s extra exercise. As long as it’s still light outside, I call that a win.
Lastly, directionally challenged people often underestimate the time it takes to get to and from somewhere. I never think, “I should probably leave an extra thirty minutes to get lost before I get gas.” That's just a little degrading. Thus, we often arrive at events “fashionably” late. This can be seen as a perk because celebrities are always fashionably late, right? Therefore, we are celebrities. It makes so much sense.
Before I bore you any longer, just know that yes, directionally challenged people struggle with their internal compasses, but also know that we are more open-minded to adventures and improvisation. I may hear gibberish when people start naming street names and I may be lacking a Sacagawea to my Lewis and Clark, but I’m happy to take a wrong turn and explore the emerging new terrain instead. Sometimes a wrong turn might just lead you in the right direction.
