Learning to Love Your Detours

One of the hardest things for me as someone who's on a recovery journey from addiction and drugs, and also on a reinvention journey as an entrepreneur and writer, is realizing that it’s truly okay to struggle. It’s okay not only to have scars but to share and reveal them. Emotional trauma often takes from us our sense of connection to others and our ability to make meaning out of our experiences.

To heal these wounds, we need connection and meaning. Healing happens through our relationships with others and by finding ways to make sense of what we’re going through. I recently heard Demi Moore, who has been sober for a long time, talk about taking a detour after being sober for 20 years. I love this perspective. A detour might seem like an inconvenience—it’s that bright orange sign on the road that we’d rather avoid. But a detour also teaches us a new way around, shows us different surroundings, and offers us a new direction.

This principle holds true for the struggles, failures, and challenges we face. Mistakes, letting people down, or acting out of alignment with who we truly are all serve as detours that teach us something valuable. My journey with addiction stripped away all pretense of who I thought I needed to be and connected me with others who had faced similar struggles—whether it was childhood abuse, bullying, or using substances to cope.

Find those groups of people who can listen to your story, not to solve your problems but to witness your journey. Making meaning from your experiences takes time and deep reflection. There will be existential dread and dark nights of the soul along the way. As we navigate these various stages of development and different life circumstances, it’s crucial to engage in this process of meaning-making.

If you’re comfortable, share your struggles with me. But more importantly, find someone you can connect with and support you. Don’t shy away from this journey of storytelling and self-reflection. Journaling, considering your experiences, and embracing the discomfort can help you discover the meaning that’s waiting for you.

If you’re ready to navigate your own detours and take your business to the next level, shoot me a message. Let’s connect and explore how we can turn your challenges into opportunities for growth.

Remember, there is meaning to be had, and there is meaning to be made. Embrace your detours—they are part of your unique path.

From my mind to yours,

Michael Mapes

About Michael Mapes Michael Mapes is the founder of Michael Mapes Coaching and Let Us Help You Launch. With a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and personal growth, Michael helps individuals and businesses turn challenges into opportunities for success. His unique perspective on overcoming obstacles and navigating detours is a key aspect of his approach. Ready to elevate your business? Book a strategy session with Michael today.

Or, if you'd like a free marketing audit, check out my boutique marketing agency at Let Us Help You Launch.