There is no worse feeling than finding yourself driving on an unlit, unfamiliar road in the middle of nowhere, on a dark and miserable night.  When we experience a crisis in our lives or make a decision with unforeseen consequences, we may feel as if we are wandering aimlessly on a back road, with no real direction or guidance. 

How do people find themselves on unmapped roads in life?  Sometimes it’s a decision we’ve made, like a major purchase that ends up strapping our budget.  Or it can be an unexpected life event, such as a catastrophic illness, loss of a job, or unplanned expenses like home repairs or a relative needing help. 

If we’ve taken a wrong turn, there is always a route to choose that can put us on the right path.  But how do we find that road?  Do we try to use our sense of direction to solve our own problems and fix our own mistakes?  If we’ve tried that and we’re still wandering, when do we acknowledge that we need help, and start looking for support?  When do we turn to the equivalent of a compass or a GPS? 

We all know the person who never stops to ask for directions.  (Some of us may even be the child or spouse of this driver.)  This person will drive for hours, rather than admit that he or she is lost.  We also know people who never read an instruction manual before repairing appliances or assembling furniture or a new toy.  They are just too proud to ask for help.  But pride can waste valuable time and money, and it prolongs the misery of being lost.

It’s never too soon to ask for help.  Here’s what one person who looked to Jewish Community Services in a crisis said:  “Within days after a major setback in my personal life, my counselor helped me turn around and directed me with support, understanding and compassion toward my new intended destination.  During my journey I certainly made a few wrong turns, but guided by my human GPS, I was able to help myself find the way.”

When traveling, relying on a GPS is not a cause for shame or embarrassment.  Today, many actually consider this device a necessity - and it’s even prestigious. The same should hold true for seeking human assistance from professionals who can provide individualized directions and advice, based on the destination desired.  Asking for help sure beats that powerless feeling of wandering aimlessly on the highways of life. 

By Steven Land, Service Coordinator, Jewish Community Services, Baltimore, MD

To learn more about how JCS can help you solve life’s puzzles, visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org or call 410-466-9200.  Jewish Community Services is an agency of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.