The Road I've Traveled...

I often think of the poem The Road Not Taken - by Robert Frost.

    "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—,
    I took the one less traveled by,
    And that has made all the difference."

That might be my favorite bit of poetry.

Sadly, it doesn't describe many of my choices in life.

I've always thought about taking the path less traveled. I've stood at the divergence in the road, and looked down both paths.

The well traveled path had predictable outcomes. I would have the security of knowing that because the decision to take this path was made before, success on the path was likely. Unlike the less traveled path, the well traveled path was supported, well advertised, and recommended by nearly everyone. The well traveled path was the obvious choice to make, and was in keeping with the sound judgement of so many that passed here before.

The less traveled path lacked predictability but offered experiences that couldn't be had on the more traveled path. On the less traveled path it would be impossible to know where it would lead, and how difficult the travel might be. Choosing this path would have risk, and the possibility or even probability of failure. Making the choice to follow that path would show questionable judgement and be frowned upon by everyone.

Too often in my life the path less traveled remained so.

Almost imperceptibly as the choices of which path to take are made, taking the less traveled path becomes increasingly difficult. The well traveled path, and the security it seems to offer, reinforces every previous decision. I've come this far in the comfort and security that was afforded by this path, your inner voice counsels. Look at how wise we have been to follow in the safe footfalls of others.

Lately I have found myself on the path, standing, pondering at that fork in the road.

• I am successful, but not wildly so.
• I have many things, but I am unsatisfied because having them just makes me want more.
• I have, and have had, great love. Yet I often feel alone and unwanted.

The well traveled path has a lie at its core. The lie is that the well traveled path leads to fulfillment. The truth is that the well traveled path leads to the illusion of fulfillment. How can you ever really know yourself if you only walk in the path of others?

Choosing the path less traveled is certainly fraught with the danger of failure. What it gives in return for that risk is the opportunity to know not just the path, but to truly know ourselves.

I hope to override my instincts and choose the less traveled path more often. I hope that I can start to appreciate the beauty of making my own path before it ceases to be an option.

Peace my friend. Thanks for being.