This is part of a series called Succinct Shots. It’s based on a practice of stream-of-consciousness writing.
But it’s my own variation to use a focal point, instead of rambling aimlessly without intent. It’s meant to trigger clarity for the writer and reader.
The path forward is reached by a lot of secondary roads leading to the main highway.
There is not a clear roadmap with a superstructure paving the way to progress. The “Blue Highways” are critical for providing alternative routes to get your life on the right track.
Every facet of life can offer a less crowded tarmac that allows you to see the next waypoint. There is no straight-line, mathematical formula that gets you to your destination.
The road is winding, it is full of turns and it takes unexpected routes that are not visibly on the radar.
The point is to have the openness and courage to follow these secondary tributaries and stop trying to find the superhighway.
The former is full of potholes, slow downs and bad weather that impedes your progress. The latter is an easy path that does not offer obstacles, but it is nonetheless a trap.
Obstacles are there for a reason.
They make us observe, think and deal with problems. They provide opportunities for alternative measures. And they make us grow when we come out on the other side.
If there was only one way to proceed, we would not need caution. We would not find our true selves. We would be like everyone else doing it the same cookie-cutter way.
Being off the main highway and on the less travelled path is a chance to discover. It is an opportunity disguised as a hinderance. The more you take on the challenge of those unpaved roads, the more you learn about yourself.
Moving forward comes with an understanding of the past.
A superhighway speeds your senses to a new destination before taking in the scenery of life. It makes for an early arrival waiting for the meaning to catch up.
Getting stuck on secondary roads is part of the journey.
It stops you in your tracks and makes you look around at the life you are living. It makes you cry to feel the pain that pushes you ahead.
A journey laid out on the map is only a pre-plan based on your current self. It does not show the obstacles in the way. It does not highlight where the road ventures off into new territory.
Artificial Intelligence can map out the directions for robot cars to follow. But that option should not be available to humans who need to fully comprehend the journey.
The road meanders for a reason and we need to go with the belief that we can both enjoy the ride and overcome the challenges along the way.
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