Long before I moved to Lancaster, I would visit. I was fond of a certain park, one I frequented with Oscar, then just a puppy. I was unfamiliar with most of the city and typically would simply retrace my route back home directly from the park. But one day, I decided to venture further into the city, exploring the local offerings. It wasn’t until sunset that I picked up route 37 on the other side of town to begin my journey home.

For miles, I ignored the uneasiness in my gut and the unfamiliar passing scenery. It wasn’t until I was close to Marietta and the Ohio border that I realized I had been traveling in the wrong direction. I had doubled my distance from home. Faced with hours of unnecessary time on the road, I was frustrated, even angry. Yet most of all, I was afraid. There is something unnerving about being somewhere completely foreign to where you thought you were.

In retirement, John and I are frequently lost but in a completely different way. We get lost on purpose. We get lost to find someplace new. We get lost to explore somewhere or something different. Getting lost can be a good thing if you know what to look for.

Last week is a good example. We thought we were heading for our favorite arboretum. John chose a different route, and soon, we were traveling the back roads, no longer sure where we were headed or would end up. Eventually, we turned onto Rte. 22, and although this road is familiar to us, this particular section was not one we traveled frequently. To our pleasant surprise, we found a new park to explore and, thanks to an available brochure, the names, and locations of additional parks new to us, some of which are still in development.

I do not typically tell people to get lost. After all, the phrase is most often used in a context that, frankly, is rather rude. But really… get lost. On your next available free day, jump in the car and drive. Be fearless. Be adventurous. Explore a new town, a new restaurant, or a new park. Then, get lost on a regular basis.

You can even get lost at home. Dare to try something new. Get lost in writing or with a new art project. Maybe, you can attempt to write a first song. You may find a dormant talent or just add a new source of enjoyment. And, if your family objects to your attempts (perhaps you sing offkey), you can tell them to get lost. Deb said so.