Follow Your Own Path

The known way is an impasse.

“Often what may appear as a detour in life is actually the most direct and empowering path to your destination.” — James Arthur Ray

No two paths are the same in life.

Your path is unique, like you. It may resemble others in shape and size, but the journey taken is yours alone. Wishing otherwise is an act of futility.

Will you travel through the known or the unknown?

The traditional way cuts through safe, well charted lands. Few obstacles are encountered, for most were cleared by others. A path here is straight with little change in elevation. Visibility is clear for miles, except for the occasional storm.

Who wouldn’t want such an easy path?

Well charted lands leave nothing new to discover. A path through such lands merely sustains the mind. New knowledge is scarce and found in only small morsels. What you gain in comfort, you lose in growth.

I encourage you to blaze a new trail and forsake familiar ways.

“Whoever cannot seek the unforeseen sees nothing, for the known way is an impasse.” — Heraclitus

Uncharted lands contain many obstacles waiting to be cleared. Each obstacle provides an opportunity to gain strength. It tests your mind, body and spirit, forcing you to adapt. New knowledge is acquired in heaps and converted to wisdom through the act of discovery.

The path is winding and broken in uncharted lands. Indeed, “mountains cannot be surmounted except by winding paths.” [Goethe] Visibility is low, but new discoveries abound. What lies at the top of such mountains is a better you, precisely because of the steep, winding path.

If the path trodden is straight and comfortable, I encourage you to take a detour into uncharted territory. There you will find the greatest version of yourself along the most direct route.

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🤔 Food for Thought:

Have you traveled into uncharted lands?

If yes, what have you discovered?

If no, what is holding you back?

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⚙️ One Small Step:

If uncharted lands are too scary, take a brief detour by doing one thing you normally wouldn’t do. Try a new food, travel to a new place or try something you aren’t good at. It could be anything. Get out of your comfort zone.