E-couragement: Railroad Tracks

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” Yogi Berra I could tell by the silence that she was in deep thought. When my daughters were young, we’d often spend weekend time together running errands. This particular Saturday, almost ten years ago, I had my youngest daughter, Carley in tow. Moments earlier we had rumbled over railroad tracks about a half mile from our home. The quiet was interrupted when she asked, “Dad, where do those railroad tracks go?”

There’s power in the curiosity of a child. As adults, we often pack that power away, replacing it with sensibility and caution. In this moment I had a chance to foster Carley’s adventurous spirit or default towards the safety and efficiency of a logical answer. Acting from my heart, I answered, “I’m not sure. Perhaps we should hike those tracks and discover where they go.” She sat up tall in her booster seat and exhaled, “Yeah…let’s do that.”

Thus began our railroad track adventure. We laced up our hiking boots, packed appropriate energy snacks and hydration (i.e. Animal Crackers and Bug Juice) then courageously marched towards the unknown. There was so much to look at and talk about along the way; I don’t think we ended up traveling more than a mile. The journey lasted about two hours before we called our support crew (Carley’s mom) and headed home.

As you prepare to welcome 2013, be aware of the new paths that will beckon to you. Perhaps they did not appear on your original life itinerary. Be open to the prompting of your inner voice prodding, where do those tracks go? Channel your inner child. Give way to your curious nature. Summon the bravery you already posses. Then courageously reply, “I’m not sure. Perhaps I should take a hike and find out where it leads me.” On that journey you are sure to discover something amazing about yourself. Enjoy your adventure.

Leave your comments: Tell us about a path you’ve had the courage to take. What did it teach you about yourself?