END OF THE ROAD ?

There are a couple of ways to look at this picture.

 A week ago, this was the end of a long road.  For the most part an unpleasant journey, especially for the people close to me.  The road was blocked by an accumulation of debts both monetary and personal.  I struggled to maintain relationships that were not beneficial; perhaps even toxic.  Thus, the road became steeper by the year.  It was only a trick.  The past crises are just that – in the past.  The lingering memory tricks us into thinking we can change the past; otherwise, why would we keep focusing on it.  This road was an uphill battle with little to show for the effort except for the wear and tear on the mind.  The hope is the road beyond will be less steep even downhill; perhaps, the end of difficult decisions.    However, the end of the long road is the beginning of another.  The new decisions are not less difficult, they are just different.  With the same anxiety, insecurity, and self-doubt there are decisions to be made.  The hope is you will not make the same mistakes from which you are recovering.  Don’t want to climb that hill again.

 The alternative view is the success of climbing the hill and being upright and ambulatory.  Having ascended and learned a valuable lesson, maybe even two valuable lessons.  Having left behind those that did not add value to your life.  There is the opportunity to start fresh and select the things you want to do rather than the things you have to do.  Allowing yourself to not do the things you do not wish to do.  As in the new school year the page is blank and the teacher has not handed out grades.   What’s ahead is a bright blue sky and a warm glow.  Darkness is behind you where it should be.  The picture is new beginnings and a bright future of possibilities.  It’s hard to see over the crest but that is the excitement and the adventure.  You can even rest at the top and take the time to consider the decisions that are now before you. This is a picture of beginnings not endings.

The road does not look that steep from here, does it?