The Road Not Taken

Okay- so maybe I stole the title of this post from Robert Frost. But these are words of wisdom, people. I'm not one for poetry- I find it difficult to weed through what the poets of the past are really trying to say. But I will admit- I do like the very last few lines of Mr. Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken."

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

I always marvel about how I ended up to where I am today. Not just location-wise, but my career, my education- and where life has taken me so far. It's funny how life is slowly carved and formed over time by the decisions we make, by the things we do- or maybe don't do, by the people we meet and the relationships we form. 

I think there is a lot to be said for following your heart. It denotes courage, strength and most of the time- a pretty good story. I think it's hilarious how I ended up smack dab in Austin, Texas. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up here. But I love it.

I guess I've been thinking about this a lot lately- because I feel so blessed. And I'm seeing some really cool things happen for the people around me. I haven't always made the most obvious- or even easy- decisions. My decisions are based on a lot of thought and prayer. I didn't want to move to Texas- but I knew it was where I needed to be... and it turned out better than I ever could have expected- because I trusted my heart.

I passed up another chance at Boston University (once for undergrad and once for grad school) for UT- and I couldn't have made a better choice. I could have moved to Boston and lived this fabulous East coast life- but would I have been happy? Would that have been a place that fed my soul? Probably not. It might have been glamorous for about... 4 months- until winter hit. And we all know how much I love the cold. Maybe other people would have snapped up that opportunity in a second- not me- I knew that UT would suit me just fine.

And the job- I prayed and prayed- that I was on the right track during my job search. And it turns out- I was. Funny how things happen. I kind of came to a fork in the road- and I took the way that I knew would feed my soul. And I couldn't be happier.

So there is a lot to say for taking responsibility for your decisions. For thinking them through, for evaluating what will truly make you happy. Oh... and a few prayers don't help either. Everything happens for a reason.

This all being said- I'm going to a "good-bye dinner" for my good friend, Ameera, tonight. She was the first person I met at orientation for grad school and has turned into a wonderful friend. She is about to embark on SUCH a fun journey. She is actually moving to Cali- to pursue a career as a reporter in Merced, CA. We swapped places. And I couldn't be more excited for her. She has carved out her own path over time and she it doing what will really make her happy. She will only be blessed because of it. I can't wait to hear all about your new journey- you deserve it!!!!! And you will be MISSED!!!!

So congrats for not settling! Too many people lack a vision, aren't listening hard enough or simply don't know what will make them happy at the end of the day. I'm proud of you, girl!