What gives you direction in life? – This answer to the daily writing prompt could take a book but I’ll limit the response.

I could say the Navigation system in my car but I rarely if ever have used it.

It must be some kind of deep-down gut feeling that helps me set my direction. They always seem like the ones to be making decisions on directions. Do I go after that new position at work? Do I ask her to marry me? Should we have a family? What car do we buy. Do we move?

I can think of a lot of different ways to answer that question. One could be my eyes. I have to see where I want to go. I have to see an opportunity to alter my path.

Some days when I have time to take a joy ride, the car provides the direction. It usually takes the twisty roads.

But the truth is many things. As if I thought one boss to give me direction might not be enough, I started a family. And they started families. Now I have lots of bosses. My 6-year-old granddaughter just told me a few weeks ago that this was her house. I must have missed the signing ceremony.

Family has always provided me with a healthy direction.

Friends have provided many other directions. Some crazy and fun ones indeed.

My professional life in newspapers gave me direction and taught me many important lessons along the way not just about work, but life.

Having made it to retirement, I find myself, for a change of pace, setting the direction. The arts give me direction now. I love trying to create.

Loving my own children was a great experience. Loving my grandchildren now is like this bonus gift that can direct lots of my activities. But they will grow fast as my own did and again I’ll be left with more time to redirect.

Life can be a lot like being at sea. You’re always adjusting your course every minute.