Life Is A Journey…

   It has been said by many, perhaps thousands of people, that life is a journey. Therefore I cannot claim to making this an original thought or idea. Many  before me have espoused this belief. But recently, the concept of life being a journey is taking on a new meaning for me.

   In most cases, life’s journey for many begins at a very early age. Now I know that does not sound profound. We all assume our place on the planet at an early age. But that does not necessarily mean that is when the journey begins. The journey begins when each of use takes personal responsibility for the life we wish to lead.

   It is true that those early days are somewhat controlled and directed by those around us, family, friends, perhaps others with influence. But at some point we decide to venture out on our own and set goals and a direction to begin the journey.

   With a few minutes to waste the other day, I pulled over to the side of the road and walked onto a bridge stretching across Rt 95 and watched as the line of cars and trucks passed beneath me. All were traveling at different speeds, weaving in and out around those who seemed to be slowing them down. Some waved as they glanced up and saw me standing on the bridge, one or two “flipped me the bird,” but most just pushed ahead with their foot on the gas pedal. In one lane of the highway, they were all traveling in the same direction and in the other lane, they were headed in the opposite direction. But my view from the bridge is not necessarily what the journey of life is all about.

   The journey of life is not always the same for everyone. I think we all know that. We only have to look around us to watch and observe others. We begin to understand that there could be some bumpy roads, some unexpected twists and turns, some steep hills to climb and deep valleys to cross and maybe a detour or two.

   After spending a few minutes on the bridge I climbed back into my car and soon joined the others I had been watching, me moving back and forth into the passing lanes in an effort to get to my destination for that day.

   While each day may or may not have a specific destination, as each day passes, we realize yesterday is never to return. What each new day gives us is the preparation for tomorrow and at some point we may begin to understand the journey we have been on. And that journey, for many of us, is based upon the decisions we make each day, with a constant reminder that today is today and tomorrow will become a new today and yesterday is a thing of the past.

   The journeys we set out on are in large part guided and directed by those around us. As a young child, much of life is influenced by family and friends. Parents have goal and dreams for children. Some will follow the dreams of Mom or Dad. But others may branch out and try new things, new directions, new challenges. But life still remains the journey.

   As I sit back, enjoying the music of the 1970s and entertainment being supplied by my Alexa (my new tech toy), I often think about the past, where I have been, what parts of my life have been a success and the parts I would not want to repeat. But then I remember that the journey is not over. While today is today, it is not yesterday anymore, and there is still tomorrow.

   For me, the journey still continues. Each day still offers new opportunities, new thoughts and ideas. Each day still brings new people into my life, new books to read, new places to see and visit and most important, new things to learn.

   I encourage those reading this to consider life, not as a destination, but as a journey, where each day teaches us something new about ourselves in order to help smooth out the bumpy roads, help navigate some of the twists and turns and climb the mountains that may come before us.