text: Across the river and through a windswept valley, lies a fork in the road. At the left path, one will find a forest- enchanted by mischievous spirits. Towards the right turn, a great mountain appears in view. At times we have no idea of which path to take. Yet, in the end, our hearts know where to go. Crossing the river is a tricky maneuver. After all, the water decides whether or not you can pass. With my raft held high over head, I trudge towards the rushing road. PLOP....SPLASH! The vessel lands in the river. With care, I unstrap the oars- one for each hand. Hopefully they are strong enough to handle the powerful current. I begin to find a rhythm in steering the craft. Slowly but surely, I will reach ashore. The water is cold and freezes my face on contact. Despite the discomfort, I must continue my trek. Rowing against the current is arduous. My arms grow tired. Alas, after another forty five minutes- I land ashore. There is no longer a need to keep the raft. So I drag the drenched craft towards a boulder. I then find another stone and place the rock onto the raft. The rope that I have on my person is more important for the remaining parts of my journey. I cannot forsake the brades by tying the raft to the boulder. With my vessel secure, I bid the river adieu. Should I return, I am unsure. However, I thank the current for allowing my safe passage. Walk five miles past the river, then you shall see a fork in the road. The left takes a traveler towards an enchanted forest. On the right, the wanderer will cross a more rugged terrain- boulders and stones adorn the path. After the rocky road stands a proud mountain. Surely a decision should be made easier if one knows what lays on each path- right? Well, even though one has an idea of what trials are ahead, they are still at a loss for how the path will converge. There are some who select a path that appears smooth; however, in reality, the trail is rugged and overwhelmed with hidden obstacles. Sometimes, it is better for others to stand firm in the decision that follows a path with clear challenges. After all, the fear of hardship is less when one knows that rough sailing lays ahead. For me, I take the path I feel more competent to complete. Though people may say: Go big or go home. I would rather be able to go home at the end of the day. When my journey is complete, I want to be able to see how far I have come and the accomplishments made. To choose a path smartly is to choose success. Of course, failure crosses many paths. One needs to be certain that their final act does not result in failure. That is the mark of regret- a burden which hangs heavy on broken hearts. Choose wisely.... The words ring through my ears like chimes dangling in the wind. The phrase stops me in my tracks. I look back and forth; left, right, left, right... Do I take the path with the forest or the trail through the mountain terrain? Either way, danger is inevitable. I have to decide which set of hardships will fare me better. To fail is not an option. Therefore, I must choose which path feels right. In my heart, I feel the blood pump through my veins. Listen: Thud.. thud....thud... Perhaps, listening to one's heart is a figure of speech. An answer cannot be found through the physical pulses. I give a wry smile that parts into a bout of laughter. Of course! Take the time to think but not damn myself by thinking too much. After all, being lost in thought is a dangerous thing- more dangerous than acting on impulse. Clear your mind.... That voice rings loud in my head. Again, it seems that I am not alone on this journey. All right, I confer. Inhale deep and exhale slowly- the process some refer to as meditation. As long as my mind is focused and calm, any actions that I take will be done with precision. The left path is mine. True, the great mountain is tempting. On the other hand, my heart knows where to go. With my spirit, I am able to find my way through this lifetime. I have to trust the idea that I am here with reason- my life is not in vain. Therefore, I am confident in my decision- combatting malicious spirits is a manageable task. The forest will be my home. Alas! Here I must take my leave. We meet many people in our lives- all along various points of intersection. For some chapters, we travel with the same companions that we have met before. On the other hand, there are sections in our lives in which our good old friends do not share a part in our journey. Yet, that does not mean we forsake our friends; rather, we learn through different interactions and experiences. We will remain friends as long as our hearts are true. When people create a bond, they share a spiritual link that cannot break. With that said, I pray you well friend on your journey. Shall we see each other again after I tarry through this forest? I am confident that the answer is: Yes. Until then, you must commit to your path. I must take my own. Let's stay true to ourselves and follow our hearts. For when we are lost, we will always have a compass. We just have to take a breath and pause. With a calm mind, the traveler can see the path that lays ahead. Despite the forks in the road, a wandering heart will know which way to go.