Friday involved a long hike in the woods, with a lot of time to think. Walking is good for thinking, at least for me, and I am often reminded of the Buddhist practice of walking meditation.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the choices each of us makes in our lives, and discussing this with a few friends. Now that I’m older, I can see I truly am the sum of my choices. Some great decisions, a lot of good ones, some so-so ones, and a few spectacularly bad ones, but each of them had a part in getting me here and making me who I am.
When you face a decision, it really is a fork in your road. The left one might look more sunny and friendly, while the right one hints of mystery and perhaps strange adventures. But who really knows? Turns out that left path on Friday had some muddy patches that required careful attention to footwork, while the right path had butterflies that led me down a lovely trail dappled with patches of sunlight.
It’s not often we get a clear sign that THIS is the right path. I wish it was as easy as seeing a green fern pointing out the way to go!
The thing about choices is that if what you choose doesn’t work out, you can choose again, take a different fork, head in a new direction. Every day is full of choices, big and small.
Today, when much of the US moves to daylight savings time: you can choose to wake up full of great expectations or you can choose slide out of bed wishing you had another hour of sleep and grumble your way through the day. It’s all up to you.
Me? Today starts the beginning of my next adventure, which will take me through much of the Canadian Maritimes. So of course I jumped out of bed at the first hint of daylight!
When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
Yogi Berra
You definitely did hit high pollen time! Not our best few weeks! Hope you were able to enjoy Crystal River…I often do a triathlon series down there and always enjoy it! Safe travels north! Kim
Thanks, Donna! Any tips for what to see in PEI or Nova Scotia? I’m collecting ideas!
Hi, Donna! I wish I had more time this year to explore that area. Given the size of Newfoundland, it’s next trip. This time I will concentrate on NB, NS, PEI, and the Gaspe Peninsula. A lot to cover even just that!
Adventures for the win! And for Sep or Oct… I am definitely heading your way in the fall 🙂
Thanks, Kim! Sorry we did not get to meet up, my allergies went into overdrive, being new to Florida spring so I was rather low-energy the last few weeks. Next time!
Beautiful thoughts! Hope you enjoyed your visit ! Safe travels as you journey north!
Hooray for choices. You never know what one might bring. Like you I’ll take the road to adventure. Enjoy.
Maryanne
We spent a month and a half in Newfoundland last summer in our Roadtrek. Will you have a chance to go there? It is spectacular — the hikes are incredible, too — but the road are pothole-paradises ! The Humpbacks were migrating through when we arrived which made everything even more magical.
Enjoy the Canadian Maritimes! Friendly, welcoming people there … just like you
Great thinking… I will remember your post next time I go for a long walk. Merci pour les pensées positives. (Thanks for your positive thoughts)
Marc
Wonderful post! Looks like you had two lovely choices for that walk, enjoy the daylight!
I share the same philosophy Annie and I really am looking to meet you in person.