We weren't necessarily lost.
But we didn't know exactly where we were.
We were pretty sure we knew where we were going.
But we weren't entirely sure where we would end up.
We were following along a creek.
And based on the map we printed out from the internet, it was supposed to intersect with the original creek we were camping along.
Only two problems:
1. There was no trail along the creek we were following. We were bushwhacking our way down the mountain.
2. Just before it intersects with our creek it forks into two directions. If we went left we would end up farther from our campsite and heading in the wrong direction.
We had to stay right, but didn't know when it would fork.
After about an hour trudging along the creek we finally hit a trail.
It was a relief! And encouragement that we were close!
Until the trail veered off to the left.
Now we were worried.
We couldn't go left. Our campsite was to the right.
So we backtracked.
Back across the creek to the right.
Up a hill. Through the weeds. Down a mud-slicked hill.
Losing sight of our compass, the creek, committed to the belief that we had to stay to the right.
Fear makes us do silly things. Irrational things.
In hindsight, they are dumb decisions.
But in the moment we can't see any other option.
We fear we may end up lost.
We eventually found our way back to the campsite.
Out of curiosity, the next day we re-traced our steps.
With a relaxed mind and a clearer view, we discovered that the trail we had found was a beautiful scenic stroll right back to our campsite. No thorn bushes to chop through. No hills to ascend. No mudslides to descend.
Just a better way in a different direction.
Fear makes you lose sight of your compass.
It stresses your mind and clouds your view.
It makes you do silly, irrational things, that in hindsight will be seen as dumb decisions.
If you don't attune your mindset to the fears that are driving your reactions and decision-making, then you're going to unconsciously choose pathways that lead you into the thorn bushes and down some muddy hills with no traction.
If you don't think you have any fears driving your reactions and decision-making, then go ahead, continue following the map someone posted on the internet. I'll be here when you find yourself stuck.