The Missing Banister Theory

A reflection on my journey so far

I’m writing this while sitting on the ferry from Algeciras, Spain, to Morocco. It feels like a moment of transition—not just physically crossing into a new continent, but also reflecting on the journey so far and why I started this road trip in the first place. Why is stripping away the comfort of a home and fully embracing the unknown so exhilarating?

Why do I create, only when I’m limited? These thoughts brought me back to an idea I’ve often reflected on but only recently discovered has a name: the Missing Banister Theory.

This theory uses a staircase as a metaphor. Imagine climbing a staircase with a solid banister at your side. It gives you stability and comfort. You can ascend or descend without much thought. Now imagine the banister is gone. Suddenly, every step demands more focus. You’re balancing carefully, fully aware of the surface beneath you and the muscles in your body working to keep you steady. The absence of the banister forces you to be present, to adapt, and to move intentionally.

The theory also reminds me of walking a slackline/tightrope. At first, it feels impossible. No net, no handrails, just you and the rope. But as you take that first step, you realize something important: you’re capable. You learn to balance with your own body, to move with the sway of the rope, and to trust yourself in ways you didn’t think were possible.

This entire journey has been my tightrope. With every kilometer, I’ve removed more of what made life predictable. And instead of falling, I’ve found new ways to move forward. Removing the banister hasn’t made life harder—it’s made it richer. Every challenge, every moment of discomfort, becomes an opportunity to discover something new about the world or myself.

I now understand why this works so well for me. Constraints aren’t barriers—they’re fuel. Limitations force us to innovate. To see the world differently. To create.

And now, I’m curious: what’s your relationship with the banister? Do you hold on tight, or do you let it go and trust yourself to balance? Either way, we all have the capacity to walk the rope.

I’m just happy that I discovered what works for me.

Dayo

PS: I made another video, a silent, raw edit of the month November.