A Wren Says

I sped walked from the station. It was after 9 PM. As it was getting later, I didn’t want to give off any signs of vulnerability. I briefly checked the maps before leaving the station but refused to let the light of my navigation app indicate I wasn’t familiar with the area. I had to look like a local. I locked the screen and held my phone in my hand. It buzzed to indicate it was time for me to turn. “Where? Where am I? Why don’t I recognize any of this? It was supposed to take just 4 minutes. How long have I been out here?”

I have no idea how many times I circled around the block and passed the same man leaning against that building. I was scared, anxious, and near tears. Finally, I moved off to the side, looked at the map, and navigated back to the hotel.

Have you ever been so adamant about looking right that you were content with truly being wrong? I know that I personally can get caught up in the appearance of things. I don’t want to look weak. I want people to think I’m strong and capable. But I am not always willing to do the work to become that person if it means jeopardizing my image.

But if I am honest, getting it right means you have to admit you’ve been going the wrong way and to have the humility to turn around.