You’ve probably read stories about seniors getting lost two blocks away from where they live. “Tsk Tsk” you say, “his/her mind is gone”. What would you say if I told you that people get lost all of the time, and it has nothing to do with their age or mental status?
I know this because I am “directionally challenged,” myself. Until I read the book “Never Get Lost Again” by Linda Grekin I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I would feel stressed and embarrassed a lot of the time; learning that I had a condition shared by others made me feel a lot better. Now that I know that I have something legitimate, I can laugh, share, and cope with my disability.
Ms. Grekin calls spatial orientation a “seventh sense”. Some of us have it and some of us don’t. This seventh sense allows people to picture where they are in relation to things around them. People with this seventh sense can usually figure out where they are in relation to where they want to go.
Not having a “sense of direction” means more than just having trouble finding your way. Lacking a directional sense often plays a part in the development of self-esteem and self-confidence. Imagine what it is like to live in fear of getting lost. You have to go to great pains to plan your outings so that you can get back home without help. Little has been written on this subject but it is prevalent enough that considerable research is being done.
Society seems to focus on women as the ones that get lost, but many men are afflicted with directional disabilities too. Knowing that what you have is actually a disability will make you more conscious of the fact that children and yes, men, can also be directionally challenged.
Self esteem issues aside; you can learn to cope with being directionally challenged.
· Become accustomed to looking for landmarks; much of “way finding” depends on observation and memorization.
· Take the phone number and address of your destination with you in case you need to call and ask for directions.
· If you are going somewhere new try to do a trial run the day before. This is extra work but it eliminates a lot of stress.
· Get specific directions and make sure they include landmarks. Telling someone directionally challenged to go east or north will not help at all.
· Keep a notebook with directions, mileage, and landmarks (some people like to use a tape recorder) in your car or on your person.
· Carry a GPS or cell phone (use one that gives specific directions. If you are directionally challenged a map is not good enough). Never leave late; always allow time just in case you get turned around.
Directional disabilities do not always involve driving. Not remembering where you parked your car can be a real hassle. Always take the time to look around. Line up your car with a landmark that you can find again (a letter in the store sign or a logo will do). If your car is a generic blue or black you might like to tie a bow on the antenna.
You are not alone if you find huge stores disorienting. Many stores have multiple entrances. Remember which one you used by pinpointing displays or checkout stand numbers. Always go in the same way that you came out or you could be wandering around the parking lot for hours. Hiking is another story altogether. Do not hike alone if one trail marker looks like the next….a GPS tracker is the next best thing to having a buddy along.
Don’t panic. People who get lost get found. Ask directions. Practice “way finding”. Keep a positive attitude and learn to laugh a little. You are not alone.