DEVIATION: Detours in Life

I learned the word "DEVIATION" for the first time recently.

It seems to be a nautical term meaning to stray from the intended course.
Considering that such a deviation could lead to a catastrophe, it might be a word of life-or-death significance for sailors.

I wrote an essay about a bittersweet memory of a youthful romance that I heard from a senior colleague who used to be a sailor.

This word appeared in the feedback I received from him.
Reflecting on his love life when he was young, he wrote about the days spent with someone he never ended up with,
as "perhaps it was a DEVIATION in my life."
he wrote.

He responded with a sailor's term, echoing my description of that romantic memory as a "history of love's wake."
I was struck with admiration for his witty choice of words.

A shift from the original course.
A detour.
A side trip.

I thought it was a very sailor-like expression.
At the same time, it resonated with me deeply.

I believe life is like a voyage with an unknown destination.

We move forward without clearly knowing what the right direction is.
We get lost many times, take detours, and sometimes turn back.
Each time, we confirm the direction we should be heading, little by little.

That is neither a failure nor a waste.
A voyage always has DEVIATION.

My own life has also had many DEVIATIONS.

The 35 years I spent failing to fit into organizations.
The experience at business school where I fell behind because I couldn't successfully imitate those who were succeeding.
The days of wandering after I retired.

Looking back now, I can see that all of those were detours that led me to where I am today.

Since learning the word DEVIATION this time, I have been able to see the path I have walked in a slightly different light.

The future surely lies beyond the detours.