Which Path Feels Right?

Which Path Feels Right?

Hello friends,

I recently had a client who drove to work crying, thinking, "I've been making this drive for 21 years. Do I want to keep doing this?"

We all hit moments where we reflect: Am I on the right path? Should I keep going, or is this a dead end? Maybe it’s a strained relationship, a job that doesn’t fit anymore, a move you’re considering, whether to have children, or a career path that once made sense but now feels flat.

Big, consequential decisions are tricky. Fear gets involved. So does self-doubt. Then there’s the sneaky influence of other people—family expectations, societal norms, the pressure to stick it out and not “quit.” So how do you know when enough is enough?

Shadow Work and the Big Questions

We often seek a clear, logical answer when faced with such perplexity. But most of the time, logic won't solve them. They’re made of the stuff of emotions and tied to unconscious patterns. That’s where Shadow Work comes in. Tapping the unconscious helps to open up a "decision space" to explore deeper questions:

• What’s actually keeping me here? Is it love, purpose, or alignment? Or is it fear, obligation, or avoiding discomfort?
• What do I truly want if I let go of all external expectations? What feels right to me is not always what my parents or partner want or what society says.
• Is my urge to leave coming from wisdom or avoidance? Am I resisting because growth calls me forward, or am I running away from something I don’t want to face?
• What part of me is making this decision? My higher, wiser self? Is my inner child looking for safety? Is my ego trying to prove something?

Sitting with these questions—not rushing to answer them—can begin to clear the water.

The Wisdom of Retreating

Indeed, some answers only come when we step away. Life's daily noise, habits, and routines can keep us stuck in familiar loops. That’s why retreats, plant medicine journeys, and intentional time away are so powerful. They create space for insights.

I’ve seen it happen so often: someone arrives uncertain, overwhelmed, and stuck. Then, after a few days—shedding distractions, deeply inquiring, and opening to something bigger—they leave with a sense of calm assurance—maybe not all the answers, but with a better sense of direction.

If you’re uncertain about a big life decision, consider giving yourself space to reflect, listen, and be honest with yourself in a way that’s hard to do in the middle of your day-to-day.

When the Path Becomes Clear

How do you know when you’re on the right track? There’s no magic formula, but here’s what I’ve discovered:

• The right path might still be hard, but it won’t feel forced.
• There’s an inner yes to it, even if it’s scary.
• It won’t require twisting yourself into something you’re not.
• The next steps tend to reveal themselves when you become more self-aware.

My Invitation To You

I invite you to reach out if you’re wrestling with big decisions. We’re hosting several retreats this year—men’s and women’s groups, plant medicine journeys, and leadership workshops—all designed to create the space for clarity. Let me know which one you might be interested in attending. If there's enough interest, the retreat will organize itself! Finally, if you want to talk for any other reason, I'm here. Just reach out.

I wish you insight, courage, and the patience to let the correct answers reveal themselves,
Mark

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