"我清楚地知道我在逃避什么，但不知道我要寻找什么。"

Ever felt like you’re running away from something without a clear idea of where you’re headed? That’s what this quote is getting at. Sometimes, we’re so focused on escaping a bad situation that we don’t stop to figure out what we actually want instead. It's like being on a ship with no destination—you're moving, but you could end up anywhere, or worse, nowhere.

Historically speaking, this sentiment has probably been around as long as humans have had problems. Think about the ancient explorers. They often knew what dangers they wanted to avoid—like famine or war back home—but they didn’t always have a specific place they were aiming for. Christopher Columbus, for example, thought he was finding a new route to India but ended up in the Americas. He was fleeing the limitations of the old world but didn’t really know what he was looking for.

Now, let’s ground this idea in a real-life example. Consider a corporate employee who’s had enough of their toxic work environment. They know without a doubt they're fleeing the oppressive atmosphere, the micromanagement, and maybe even a nasty boss. But they haven’t thought much about what they actually want in their next job. They might end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire, landing in another equally bad or even worse situation.

Here’s some specific advice for applying this wisdom: Take a moment to pause and reflect before making big decisions. Journaling can be super helpful. Write down what you’re unhappy with, but then also spend time imagining and describing your ideal scenario. What does a perfect day look like for you? What kind of people do you want to work with? What values are non-negotiable for you? This way, you’re not just running away from something bad but moving towards something good.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend who’s just broken up with their partner. They’re relieved and say, “I’m so glad to be out of that relationship!” You nod, understanding. But then you ask, “So what are you looking for next?” They look puzzled and shrug, “I don’t know, just not that.” You sip your coffee and say, “Maybe take some time to think about it. What kind of relationship do you want? What makes you happy?”

This small conversation can make a big difference. Without it, your friend might end up in another unsatisfying relationship, simply because they haven’t taken the time to understand what they truly want. And let’s be real, we’ve all been that friend at some point.

So next time you find yourself eager to escape a bad situation, ask yourself what you’re hoping to find on the other side. It might just save you from wandering aimlessly and help you find something that truly makes you happy.