Walking The Path

I took a journey today....

....one that I've planned on doing many times before....

...but just 'never made the effort to do it'. It was always one of those things of 'I should do that sometime.' ... and never did... until today.

When I started, I thought I knew the way. It's the riparian area of my town, and as many times as I've seen it as I go by or visit the neighboring library, I soon realized that the direction that I thought the path I was on would go, it didn't. When I thought I should go this way, the path I was on went the other way. So I followed it...not knowing where I was going.

There were times that I was surrounded by 8 ft. walls of brush and bramble and trees. Not able to see to the sides...only straight ahead.

Other times I was able to see through a break...and take in a different view.

While I knew where I was in general, the view and details were new to me. I hadn't been this way before. I wasn't sure what would meet me around the bend up ahead or what I might find.

But every once in a while, a familiar anchor would greet me...letting me know that I was on the right path. Signs would steer me in the right direction - if I heeded them, that is.

Along the way, friends would meet me... almost cheering me on!

And every so often, tokens of love and care.... left by those before me...

A time or two some told me what they thought of my journey...

perhaps a warning...to stay on my path...

or some advice....

or both!

...and if I grew weary, there was always a place to rest...reflect...renew....for the rest of the journey ahead....

I couldn't help but notice the footprints of those who had gone before me.

As I walked this path, with more of it behind me as opposed before me, it became evident for me to keep my focus ahead....to look to the future... to see what the universe has in store for me...

Soon, my starting point came into view....

and I realized that I had completed a new journey.... and that I was a wealthier soul for it....

Funny how walks imitate life.