"Tengo un mapa existencial. Tiene "Tú estás aquí" escrito por todas partes."

The essence of this quote is about understanding where you stand in life—not just physically, but emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Imagine you're holding a map, but instead of streets and landmarks, it charts out all the complexities of your inner world. Every triumph, every setback, every lesson learned—it's all plotted out. And right smack in the middle is a big, bold 'You are here.' This isn’t just about your location—it's about your current state of being.

This quote probably resonates because, at some point, we all feel a bit lost. We come to these crossroads where we need to pause and get our bearings. It reminds me of those moments in life where reflection becomes crucial—during a career change, after a breakup, or even amidst a global pandemic. Times when the world feels chaotic and you need that existential map to figure out where you stand.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Think about Jane, a 35-year-old graphic designer. She's hitting a rough patch—work feels unfulfilling, her relationship is on the rocks, and she's grappling with some serious self-doubt. One weekend, she decides to take a solo trip to a cabin in the woods, a place where she can disconnect from the noise of daily life. Armed with a journal, she starts mapping out her thoughts and feelings. She plots out her career highs and lows, her personal milestones, and her dreams that got shelved. The map isn't tidy; it's messy and complicated, just like life. But in the process, Jane finds clarity. She sees patterns she hadn’t noticed, connections she hadn’t made. She realizes that, despite the confusion, she knows where she is and, more importantly, where she wants to go next.

So, how do you use this wisdom? Start by creating your own existential map. Grab a notebook and start plotting out the significant events and emotions that have shaped your journey. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Life’s messy, and so is your map. Reflect on your current situation and ask yourself how you got here. What lessons have you learned? What are the repeating patterns? This exercise isn’t just about looking back—it's about understanding your present so you can make informed choices about your future.

Imagine you're sitting at your favorite coffee shop. You’ve got a steaming latte in front of you and your best friend across the table. You start talking about life—its ups and downs, the moments that left a mark. Your friend listens intently, nodding in all the right places. Then you mention the idea of an existential map. “It’s like this,” you say, “I looked at all the stuff I’ve been through and realized it’s led me right here. And you know what? I’m okay with that.” Your friend grins, maybe a bit skeptically, but you can see the wheels turning. They’re thinking about their own map, their own 'You are here.'

In essence, this quote is a gentle nudge to embrace where you are in your journey. It's a reminder that even if you feel lost, you’re actually right where you need to be. By acknowledging your present, you’re better equipped to navigate your future. Life’s not about having all the answers—it's about understanding the questions and knowing where you stand. So, grab that map and start exploring. Where you are is where you’re meant to be.