I dreamed last night that I was bicycling a long distance by myself. I was traveling on country roads; the weather was warm but pleasant. Then I reached the end of one road and the start of another running perpendicular to it. I was prepared to make the turn and continue my journey as soon as I had a drink of water and checked my map.

Then I discovered that I had, inexplicably, left behind my map, water, wallet—indeed, my entire backpack of vital supplies—many dozens of miles back the way I’d come.

I had to make a choice: go forward without sustenance or a map or money, or go back and retrieve what I had lost. As much as I hated the idea of going back, I realized I had no choice. Without water or a map, there was no chance of finishing my journey. I turned back.

Then I awoke, displeased at what this dream might signify if interpreted as a metaphor for my life and/or career.