‘Everything old becomes new again’ is a fun concept when it comes to fashion or retellings of classics, but when it comes to your life, it’s easy to feel like you’re moving backwards. Afterall, we’re supposed to keep moving forward towards larger and better goals, and repeating earlier journeys is akin to feeling left behind. However, re-stepping trodden paths is better than feeling stuck and stagnant – ultimately, you’re still moving rather than standing in one place, and now you might notice something new on that familiar journey with a fresh set of eyes and a different perspective. Standing still is the real trap, returning to earlier paths can lead to newfound discoveries because now you know where to look.

As an introspective overthinker, I am prone to questioning every step, whether forward or seemingly backwards. As an avid walker, I know that I continue to see fresh beauty and unexpected surprises despite taking the same path over and over again. Seasons change, flowers bloom, weeds take over the less trodden alternatives, and the world continues to move forward, forcing us to dance along. As Disney’s Pocahontas sang “you can’t step in the same river twice, the waters always changing, always flowing”; although there may be mysteries beyond the riverbend, there’s no reason why some of them can’t find their own way towards your familiar path. Both predators and prizes may be waiting whether you chance new paths or re-walk familiar journeys, going back doesn’t necessarily mean that the walk will remain the same.

This is a good thing; it gives us multiple options that can lead to widely different results. Two people on seemingly the same track can end in different destinations, and we can always backtrack if we feel like a path is not the right one for us. In a world where it can often feel like your life is twisting out of your control, having more options can help us find a way to get to where we want to be. The bigger issue is knowing where that is. We may think we know where we want to be, only to approach the edge and realise that it’s not what we expected, and the reality is not quite as palatable as the dream. Should we keep moving forward since we’ve already come so far, shall we take a chance and try an offshoot path, or do we turn around and go back to something familiar that feels safe? It may feel safe, but that safety is not guaranteed as there may be new surprises on that familiar route.

Surprises are an undeniable part of life; they help us to move our story’s plot forward whether we appreciate it or not. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what life is – we are all living our own story and need fresh plot points to keep things interesting. There is little more disappointing than a boring story, and few things sadder than a stagnant and underwhelming life. Some surprises may feel unwelcome, but they may spur us in a direction that’s better suited to our character and end up being a positive experience once you’ve moved a few chapters forward. Likewise, a welcome surprise may end up being a disappointment or a trap in later chapters. The uncertainty is what keeps things interesting. It’s also why we, as a species, delight in gossip – whether or not you admit to engaging in such ‘trivial pursuits’ (wink, wink).

We are a species of storytellers – and story consumers – at heart. Our imaginations are a gift that lately seems to be underappreciated for the true wonder it is. As humans, we have the largest prefrontal cortex of all species on the planet (though echidnas also have a special place on this list), and this is believed to be strongly linked to our ability to imagine, and imagination has regularly been linked to intelligence. Our unique brains crave stories, fantasy, adventures, exploration, connections and understanding. We are not meant to stay in place or to thrive in an uneventful bog, our quests for adventures and knowledge start in early childhood. We live to experience life, and this innate desire cannot be quelled by the modern world, forced routines or your socioeconomic status. It is a drive that unites us all, has led to us exploring the planet and has created our modern world filled with innovations and experiences our ancestors could only imagine.

This drive to explore, experience and understand can also contribute to feeling left behind when we do backtrack down the path of life, especially if we feel that we have already seen and learned all we can from the journey. We think that we know what is coming, there are no surprises left and as a result, there is no potential for opportunity or growth. It can feel stagnant and unmoving because we feel there is no progress. But, as Pocahontas delightfully reminded us, nothing is truly the same because water – and life – keep flowing. The path you previously walked will not be the same path you return to, or perhaps you will not be the same person and as a result, you will notice something new. A simple shift in perspective can make all the difference. And as long as you’re still moving, there is a potential for change.

As an introspective overthinker, I have my fair share of self-doubt and regrets, especially when it feels like I’m going backwards. The siren’s call of “what ifs” and daydreaming of alternate paths forged by different choices can leave you feeling stuck or behind, and it can be difficult to find the spark of motivation to keep moving in any direction. Sometimes we just want to wallow and reflect, and this can be fine for a moment as long as we’re able to pull ourselves out of the mud, clean ourselves up, and start moving again. It doesn’t matter which direction we take as long as we keep moving, keep exploring and keep experiencing life with all its pleasures and pains. Stagnation is the real trap, moving backwards gives you the opportunity to notice something new or explore a previously overlooked possibility. As mentioned earlier, now you know where to look.

There is nothing new in this little essay, it comprises of lessons and titbits that we have all heard before. However, sometimes we need a reminder, and this reminder serves me as much as it may serve you. Backtracking down a path is not being left behind, if anything, knowing yourself enough to consciously make that choice is evidence of you being true to yourself, your wants and your inner desires. In fact, backtracking now rather than waiting until you’re further in your journey means you have less of a way to go, and can soon head in a better direction with new adventures and opportunities to explore. So go forth, fellow explorer, make new mistakes and learn new lessons to help make your story a great adventure you’ll be proud to share with others. I hope you have many promising chapters ahead.