Most folk pay no mind to this phrase because they do not need to. For myself, and countless others (possibly…), it is a subject that comes up accompanied with dread and embarrassment, as well. Basically, this term means either that God didn’t gift us with a (built-in) compass or that it is a defective one. With me, I would have to conclude that not only was I born without one, but the “spot” that it would be located in is missing, as well! I can feel so very certain that I am heading the correct direction only to learn that it is, in fact, the opposite of what I “felt.” This gets to you after a while and permeates one’s confidence layer by layer. If I was a wealthy lady, I would never drive and simply employ a chauffeur, as did Barbara Walters.
I suppose there are different levels of this affliction. I am fine in my own community going to a new place as many folks can help direct me there and, as well, I can always write down landmarks and directions, precisely and double check them. What contributes to my navigational disorder and compounds the devastation is my phobia for getting lost. The only thing scarier for me than THAT is if I were LOST, spiritually, and never found my way back. Maybe all of this points back to my being a control freak, but I am one, only, to make certain that my surroundings are safe and somewhat familiar. I’m not big on controlling just in order to run things.
As well, GPS has proved to be inconsistent on many occasions, so I can’t rely on that 100%. Another “curve ball” is that for out-of-town travel you cannot call the highway department and try to find out if there are detours as they do not update on time, every time; this was a good point my daughter added. I found this out the hard way, of course, as Murphy’s Law and I are old friends!
This disorder really hasn’t been a huge thorn in the flesh for me ‘til recently. I have become used to keeping my world small and close by. The only area it has been extremely painful in was the part where I couldn’t just jump in the car and go visit my kids and grandkids. I never thought I would be single. I now have a significant other (whom I might add doesn’t know the word “fear” and doesn’t understand anyone that does); he is in Rogers, AR, and even that short of a distance I’m fearful to drive, by myself. Bless his soul, he comes to get me and deposits me home safe and sound and I feel so bad about it.
My column is normally about giving advice either to cure something or prevent it; however, I plead “clueless” on this one. I did read one explanation on why SOME are navigationally challenged. It stated that their normal IQ was too high for them to focus on mundane things like directions. They need more stimulus and therefore cannot navigate. I don’t think that is my excuse, though that reasoning is not without merit.
My failure with navigation goes much deeper. I am hyper aware of the world we occupy, now. I have watched too many episodes of Dateline and 20/20 PLUS seen too many movies about getting lost in the country (The Hills Have Eyes, Last House on the Left, etc.). As I stated earlier, I am a believer in “If it CAN happen, it WILL happen!“ I always remember that God can watch over us and keep danger at bay but I also know, first-hand, about the Situational BP Syndrome, and I would rather just not put myself there and risk a stroke, miss work, and with a nice little hospital and ambulance bill.
I grew up in a small town and could drive anywhere, therein, but I didn’t have my own car, so wherever I went in the family car, I always had to return, promptly, so, that was that…never wet my whistle for exploring!
My intelligence and wisdom dictate: Don’t take trips by yourself as there are simply too many risks that could cause my BP to go nuts. And, honestly, I believe that thought process would stay intact even if I wasn’t navigationally challenged. This isn’t even close to being the safe world that I was raised in and just because the vast majority choose to ignore this and go on and do what they wish doesn’t make it safe to do so.
All I mean to get across here is for everyone to be cognizant of people out there that have this disorder or hyper-wisdom, and please do not try to roll your eyes or make them feel ashamed or that it is something they need to “conquer” in order to be considered a real person or valued by another. I feel like I am one of the few percentages that is doing the right thing and 100% tuned into the risks of a woman being on the road, alone. I truly feel that the women’s’ movement has done more harm than good and this is just one example. We are always expected, now, to take care of ourselves across the board.
I would, however, if I had to raise a daughter today, just do all I could to make her feel comfortable driving. I do think this is done rather well, these days, but again, some of this is just in our DNA and it can’t be changed so…let them know, first, it is ok to feel this way, then be sure to prepare them, at least, to be able to drive and navigate in an emergency. Show them how to read maps, equip them with a magnifying glass so they CAN read them, teach them to keep their cell phone charged, and make sure there is always a friend to travel with them.
If the NC disorder is built into the DNA, we need to remember that God makes us all different, but equal and do not belittle us for not all being “cookie cutter” creatures.
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