When Left and Right Refuse to Cooperate

Some people wake up knowing exactly where they are in the world. Many, though, have severe difficulty determining how to navigate to the next location.

If you’re someone who gets lost easily, who hesitates before saying left or right, or who secretly flips your hand to check which one makes the “L” shape… you’re not alone. Not even close.

For many of us, direction doesn’t come naturally. It’s not carelessness. It’s not laziness. And it’s certainly not a lack of intelligence. In fact, many people who struggle with navigation are highly verbal, creative, intuitive, musical, or people-focused. Their brains simply prioritize different kinds of information.

The problem is, the world isn’t very patient with that.

“Just follow the signs.”

“Didn’t you see the building?”

“It’s obvious — turn right!”

Obvious to whom?

For someone who struggles with spatial orientation, directions can feel slippery. Landmarks blur together. Routes don’t “stick.” Left and right swap places at the worst possible moment — usually in front of an audience.

And the result isn’t just getting lost. It’s embarrassment. It's self-doubt. It's that quiet voice that says, Why can’t I do this simple thing everyone else can?

But here’s the truth worth holding onto today:

Getting lost does not mean you’re broken. It means your brain works differently.

Some people navigate by maps.

Some navigate by stories.

Some by landmarks.

Some by memory.

Some by feeling.

Some don’t really navigate at all.

None of these is wrong. We just need to accept and work with our situation, whether we are the one who gets lost easily, or we have to deal with the person who does.

Learning to live well with a directional challenge often starts with kindness — especially toward yourself. Laugh when you can. Be helpful, when you're asked. Ask for help when you need it. Use tools without shame. Create your own helpful systems. And remember: needing extra guidance doesn’t make you less capable. It just means you travel the world a little differently.

Today, if you take a wrong turn — literal or otherwise — pause before criticizing yourself. You’re still moving. You’re still learning. And your "wrong" turn allowed you to take the scenic route.

Next time, we’ll talk more about how to find your own “anchors” in a confusing world.

Until then, be gentle with yourself.