There’s a saying in the woods:
“When you pass the tree twice, you’re surely lost.”

It sounds like simple advice, but life—like the forest—is full of trails, distractions, and loops. And sometimes, the tree isn’t a tree. It’s a person. A place. A decision we swore we wouldn’t repeat.

1. Recognizing the Loop

We all like to believe we’re moving forward. But occasionally, we find ourselves circling.

We return to the same argument. The same feeling. The same person we swore we had let go.

It might be a text we didn’t expect. A random encounter. A moment of weakness. And suddenly, there you are—passing the tree again.

2. Why We Revisit the Past

We revisit because part of us still hopes:

  • Maybe this time it’ll be different.

  • Maybe the forest has changed.

  • Maybe I’ve changed.

But the tree doesn’t move.
It’s you who came back to it.

Just like the ex who still makes your chest feel weird. Just like the thought you can’t seem to silence.

3. Lost Isn’t Always Bad

There’s a strange comfort in being lost. It allows you to avoid the pain of committing to a single path.
Revisiting the familiar gives the illusion of control—even when it keeps you stuck.

But remember: growth doesn’t live in circles. It lives in stepping forward, even when the way ahead is unclear.

4. The Hidden Message in the Tree

When you pass the same point twice, life is telling you something.
It’s not just about being lost—
It’s a gentle warning:

“You’ve already learned this lesson. Don’t re-enroll.”

Whether it’s a toxic relationship, a self-sabotaging habit, or a comforting lie—we only escape the forest when we realize the tree is not our home. It’s a signpost.

5. So What Do You Do?

  • Acknowledge the loop. Denial keeps you walking in circles.

  • Forgive yourself. Getting lost is part of exploring.

  • Choose a new direction. Even if it’s uncertain, even if it’s uphill.

Sometimes, moving forward means not replying.
Not revisiting.
Not trying to rewrite a chapter that already ended.

Conclusion

You may see the tree again. That’s okay.
But this time, don’t walk past it. Pause. Recognize. Reroute.

Because when you pass the tree twice, you’re surely lost.
But when you notice you’ve passed it, you’re ready to be found.