And miles to go....

You know, when it comes to hiking up mountains there are many paths that lead to the top.  Some are long, others short.  Some are relatively easy while others are downright terrifying.  Some paths make you feel serene and in touch with your spirit while others will make you shout every expletive known to man.  When attempting a new mountain, common sense will say we should reach out to others who've previously summited that mountain in order to get a better sense of the challenge that lies ahead.  You know, kinda like seeking the wisdom of an elderly person who's been around the block a few times.

Well, it's interesting when you speak to a hiker about the various paths one can take to get to the top.  Not once will that person describe a path in terms of it's virtue.  Nope, it's all about what's hard or easy, what's safest or the most dangerous.  There's no judgement, no assessment of some innate value.  They're just paths that have different consequences depending on what you choose.  Really, it's just a matter of whether or not you make it to the top.  Not how you got there. Well, ok, unless you're dropped off by a helicopter.

So why is life so different?  There are infinite number of paths in our lives, some easy, others challenging.  Certainly no matter what path you choose, each will have their own rewards and consequences.  Remember, they're just paths.  We really can't say one path is better than another.  Each path will present it's own share of hardships and victories depending on the person who travels it.  What may seem easy to one person may be more challenging to another.  The same path that provides great success to one may bring devastation to another.

To look at someone and cast disparaging judgements on them for the path they've chosen is simply ridiculous.  You could have a young person, slow on the uptake, that seems to be frittering their life away on an aimless path when in fact that path could be leading them to a life alternating experience they wouldn't otherwise have known if it wasn't for that one particular path.  Now that same path may not work for me but it certain did for that one person.

Instead of judging the paths people take in life, how about just encouraging them along the way on their journey?  We're all on a journey.  We're all on our own respective paths and not one is really better than another.  Sure, I may periodically fall into the trappings of jealousy over the person who seemingly has it easy and is enjoying the fruits of very little labor but I don't know where they've been nor do I have any idea where they're going.  They're just moving along, just like me.

So here's to everyone who's still on their journey.  May it always be a long road to the top.  Why, you say?  Because the real joy in life is not where we're going but how we get there.

Love you!