The Path of Our Life . . .
“No memory is ever alone; it’s at the end of a trail of memories, a dozen trails that each have their own associations.”
~ Louis L’Amour
“Your mind knows only some things. Your inner voice, your instinct, knows everything. If you listen to what you know instinctively, it will always lead you down the right path.”
~ Henry Winkler
The path of our life is varied. Sometimes winding, hilly, paved, rocky, or murky. At other times is it a straight clear road on a sunny day. At times it is hidden in fog, unexpected hazards pop up, and detours takes us away from our intended destination. There are turns we have to take and stop signs we must obey. Our speed fluctuates with our determination and terrain.
Looking behind us, we can see the steps we took to get us where we are today. We can see where we faltered, fell down, slid or got stuck. Less visible, the smooth highways where we flew like the wind and did not leave a trace.
The path in front of us is definitely not as clear as the trail we have left behind, yet it always presents us with unexpected twists. At times our life path may be completely invisible or require us to make complicated direction decisions with unknown consequences, but it is not something we can abandon. We must continue each day to find our way down the road even if we have to blaze a new trail or face a road hazard that may cause some damage. Every day we choose the roads in life that, hopefully, will lead us to the best we can be as we live our “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver).
“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
My 2012 wish for you is a safe life road with just enough twists, turns and hills to make it exciting and life-giving. Loving companionship along the way, carefully placed steps that make a positive difference and memorable footprints that are a pleasure to glance back at.
“I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost
(Photographs: a trail left behind in the frozen lake of a deer who walked through while the ice was still soft.)
Bear in Mind 
Loved the photographs. Footprints left behind always intrigue me. Thanks for sharing
Sometimes there is an inclination to want to follow the footprints to see where they go. In this case, the footprints made me wonder about why the deer continued walking on the lake when it was not quite frozen (crazy deer) 🙂
Thank you for this exquisite post. Your photography and words of wisdom always inspire me.
Thanks Suzi … since your posts do the same for me, I am glad that I can return the favor. Happy New Year to you.
The quote by Henry Winkler speaks to me, bearyweather. I like your New Year’s blessing. Your wisdom shines through these posts.
When I found the quote, I was surprised to discover the author. Who knew Henry was so wise? Thanks for all the “warm fuzzy” comments this past year.
Hi Bearyweather, Well said. By the way, you have deer tracks in the snow and I have deer tracks in the mud. Thanks for your New Year’s wishes! Have a super good coming week!
Actually the footprints were in the frozen lake ice. Believe it or not, MN hit temperatures in the 50″s on thursday and most of our snow melted, there were puddles and even mud. (typically, January is our coldest month .. we hit 40 below a year ago).
Hope you have a wonderful 2012.
It is starting out pretty fine.
I love that Frost quote. In fact, I’ve tried to live by that quote and so many times in my life (e.g. when I look around the room and realize I’m the oldest mom there of a 7 yr. old) I’ve struggled with the road less traveled. But your post, with all the other beautifully inspiring messages, bring me back to my original intent.
And your wish for us this 2012? Right back at ‘cha! xo
Thank you. I have trouble with the roads less traveled sometimes, too. I am much braver and outgoing when I have someone to walk that road with.
I hope that 2012 gives you plenty of opportunity to leave many pleasant footprints as you travel through it.
That is a beautiful thought … thank you.
Beautiful post, Bearyweather. Thank you so much for the wonderful wishes. Wishing the same for you. I hope 2012 brings you good health, peace, and much happiness. 🙂
Thank you. 2011 was a tough year for me … but, with tough obstacles comes growth (I hope). My 2012 is off to a good start, I hope yours is, too.