Daily Gratitude: This is a great quote and it made me think of my walks in the park near my house. It’s actually a greenway and San Antonio has done an excellent job expanding it for over 25 miles.

But, of course, the only part I care about is that section I’m walking on at the time. I often say that one benefit of being so slow is that it’s easier to see things as I go along. Especially the flowers along the way. Just as this quote is talking about.

Do we want to go through life staying on the paved road, perhaps missing out on the flowers that are right next to us. All we have to do is stop and look.

Be intentional about what you’re doing. Are you staying on the path because you’re in a hurry to get to the next stop? Maybe that’s ok if that’s your purpose. But maybe you’re staying on the path because you’re afraid – afraid of getting lost; afraid there will be someone there to attack you; afraid of bugs; afraid of snakes: afraid of failing?

Can you identify your reasons (fears?) you choose to stay on the paved road? Do you enjoy being there or would you like some excitement in your life?

Can you put one foot off the path and see how it feels? Now the next…and so on. How do you feel? Baby steps is what it’s all about. Try something new but don’t pull your foot back at the first indication it’s uncomfortable. That’s natural. Discomfort is the definition of being out of your comfort zone so expect it. Welcome it. See how it feels and then celebrate that feeling because it’s new. There will be lots of new wonderful feelings like that as you continue to forge your own path. All great people have forged their own paths.

Why not you?