The Path Awaits You
One of the real treats I was offered as a child was a “discovery ride”. My father would take me on a jaunt that did not include a preconceived destination. The goal was to travel roads we had not been on to see sights we had never before witnessed. We might travel on major highways, backroads, or even gravel and dirt roads. And the trip might last a couple of hours, an afternoon, or all day. Every trip was unique as were the sights we discovered. It was tremendous fun. I never lost my love and fascination for this kind of road trip and which I still hold today. On my most recent trek, I discovered the Red House Presbyterian Church established in 1756. The cemetery behind the church contained graves of very early settlers who lived when our state was still a colony.
I use this story to urge you to be curious, a very important characteristic for people who want to improve themselves. Like the roads yet untraveled, there are avenues in each of us waiting to be discovered and explored: forgotten memories, quiet personality traits, secret fears, memorable delights, misunderstood experiences, undeveloped talents, and obscure relationships. Only the curious and brave will take the chance and the opportunity to explore these paths, the journeys of which can lead to growth and wholeness. Some paths we can run down. Some require a slow and methodical walk with frequent stops to make thorough examinations. Other paths may be so rugged that we must take resolute and robust steps that demand extra time to traverse.
The New Year offers us another opportunity for a journey that may be filled with awe, splendor, inspiration, challenges, and reverence. We may discover things with which we need to get reacquainted. Perhaps we may see the discovered item as a nemesis, perhaps as an old friend. It could be some aspect of ourselves that needs attention and work. Or perhaps we will discover something that brings a tear to our eye, maybe something delightful, or something that has gone unnoticed within. Many of these journeys can be done on one’s own. Some of them may require a Sherpa, a mountain trekking expert who helps another make the climb.
Engage your curiosity this year. Trek the path you discover. And discover the treasures and rewards the journey holds. If you find you need assistance on your journey or you need help with what you have discovered, we would be honored to travel the path with you in therapy.
