"همه کسانی که سرگردانند گم نشده‌اند"

You don't need to have a clear path to be on the right one. That’s the central message here. It's like saying that just because you’re exploring, it doesn’t mean you’re aimless or without purpose. Sometimes, wandering is how you find your way.

Think back to when J.R.R. Tolkien wrote this line. It was part of a poem in "The Lord of the Rings." And let’s be real, those characters did a lot of wandering. Frodo and his crew? They didn’t have a GPS or a straight-line plan. They meandered through forests, climbed mountains, and crossed rivers. But each step, no matter how uncertain, brought them closer to their goal.

Now let’s bring this to the real world. Picture someone who’s just graduated college. There’s immense pressure to land a dream job right away. But what if instead, they take a year off to travel, teach English in Japan, or work odd jobs in Europe? To some, it might seem like they’re drifting. But in reality, they’re gathering experiences, learning about different cultures, and maybe even discovering what they’re passionate about. They’re not lost—they’re just on a different kind of journey.

So, how do you apply this to your life? First, don’t panic if you’re not following a conventional path. It’s okay to take detours. These detours can be enriching, offering you new perspectives and skills. Try to embrace uncertainty. If you’re contemplating a career switch, for instance, test the waters first. Take a freelance gig in that new field or volunteer. Use these experiences to guide you, rather than sticking rigidly to a pre-set plan.

Now, imagine this: You’re at a family gathering, and your cousin, let’s call her Jenna, announces she’s quitting her high-paying job to start a bakery. The room falls silent. People start questioning her decision. They see her move as risky, perhaps even foolish. But Jenna? She’s been passionate about baking since she was a kid, always experimenting with new recipes. And while it might seem like she’s throwing away her career, she’s really following her heart. She’s not lost—she’s charting her own course.

In a way, we’re all Jenna at some point. We have moments when we choose the road less traveled, and it feels daunting. But that’s the thing about wandering. It’s not about being lost; it’s about searching, discovering, and sometimes, feeling your way through the dark until you find the light.

So, next time you feel unsure about your path, think of it like an adventure. Don’t be afraid to wander—whether it's through different careers, relationships, or even cities. Every step, even the uncertain ones, brings you closer to where you’re meant to be. And remember, just because you're not on a straight path doesn’t mean you're lost. You’re just finding your way in your own time, at your own pace.