Finding Your Own Road Less Traveled

If you didn’t know it was there you’d probably never know it was.

The paved road unexpectedly turned to gravel. The overgrown grass and trees hid the sign marking the entrance to a rather obscure area of the vast coastal nature preserve. I parked where I could looking for signs that didn’t exist. Google Maps gave me an idea where I was supposed to go, and with my backpack and hiking stick I headed west down the fire road which I believed would lead me to the beach I was looking for.

About a mile later the dirt road lined with scrub pine turned into sand and behind the grass-covered dunes was the beach I was looking for.

Perfectly empty. 

Just me and the ocean.

I can see why many wouldn’t want to go through such a process just to get to a beach. A few miles in either direction beach access is much easier. But sometimes easy comes at the expense of an opportunity to experience something you’ve never done before. To walk a path you had no idea even existed until you found yourself upon it.

I find myself seeking more of these paths, forsaking the easy in favor of discovery. Curiosity and engagement have become important components of the life unfolding within me. The road less traveled is less traveled for a reason, but given the chance I will probably take it and trust exactly where it leads me. It’s led me to some spectacular places.

Life is full of magnificent wonders if we are willing to allow ourselves to experience them. To intentionally put ourselves in position to see them, to touch them, to feel them. 

To live them.

It may not always be easy. 

But it’s always been worth it.

Photo by Ali Nazari on Unsplash