We all know that many things in life don't go as planned. Not everything works out as we hope. There are many reasons for this, and usually what seems like an awful turn of events will make perfect sense in the future. This has happened to me quite a few times. I have applied for jobs, passed up on opportunities with regret, and made a few questionable choices in life, only to realize that I wouldn't be where I am today had things gone differently at a certain crossroad.

We all make choices in life and choose our paths, even when it feels like we don't.

So, what do we do when we are confronted with a crossroad? How do we figure out which way to go? Here are 4 steps to help you navigate this time.

1.) Stop thinking.

Our thoughts are the problem. They are often either reminding us of the past, or worrying about the future.

Look around you at your surroundings. Focus on the sky, or a flower, or a tree for 30 seconds to a minute even. This will help you to stop your thinking in its tracks.

2.) Break down your issues into smaller groups.

Commit to dealing with only present issues at the current time. Everything else can wait.

It can seem so unmanageable when everything appears to be crashing down on you all at once. In reality when you break down what actually needs to be dealt with at the present time, you will find that there is actually little problems.

3.) Check in with your internal voice.

We have an inner voice, or inner wisdom that knows better than our minds. If we can quiet down our thoughts, we can tap into this wisdom easier and often times, the answers will be waiting for you.

As I mentioned above, one day you will look back and realize it was the most appropriate outcome at the time. The Universe has a plan.

4.) Detach

One of the biggest problems when issues arise, is that we are attached to the outcome. We really want something to happen, or for something to turn out exactly as we hope, but holding on to that idea doesn't serve us at all.

Move forward with your choice, one way or another, and let go of what you had planned or envisioned.


Heidi Oran is the founder of The Conscious Perspective, a blog providing education and awareness about Personal Growth, Spirituality, and Humanitarian issues. You can visit The Conscious Perspective here, and connect with Heidi via Facebook, or Twitter.