Chosen Paths

Photo: Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers GA

Sometimes in life we are called/forced/persuaded to take a journey … alone. No friends, no family, nothing familiar. To some, this may seem like a lonely venture. Others are enthused about the idea of leaving the familiar behind and traveling to the unknown.

While my life has had many journeys that started off with me traveling “alone,” the most significant to date is when I left for the United States Peace Corps. Everything about my choice seemed to isolate me from so many things I cherished, loved and perhaps loathed. I was leaving behind my family, my friends, the familiar places I loved to visit, favorite foods and familiar scents. I was questioned about my choice and felt more isolated by the fact that very few understood why I would want to move to a remote village in another country – for two years! But I forged ahead and I must say it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

How often in life do we come face-to-face with a situation or opportunity, but we are afraid to pursue it because we may have to start out alone? How often do we make decisions based on what’s acceptable by the masses? How often do we follow our dreams in spite of what others say or think? And how often do we remember that no matter how lonely the journey looks, we will always find careful shades of new friendships, guardians, and companions along the way? If only you start the venture you’ll find leaves of love and trunks of treasure.

When was a time that you had to start a journey alone? What was the outcome?