Navigating The Journey Of Life

Navigating The Journey Of Life
By Anthony McCune

Would we live our lives differently if we knew how much time we actually would have on the planet?

The four “biggest” words in the English language are said to be would’ve, could’ve, should’ve and if.

Theory is one thing. In the real world, though, life is not lived in a logical, preplanned sequence where events come in a straight forward, rational fashion. We travel the highways, byways and back roads of life. There are long, broad valleys and grand, towering peaks which we must traverse Our opinions are influenced by experience; our memories colored by perception.

Everyone, philosophically, should be given a fair chance to prove themselves good or bad; worthy of our time or a waste of precious minutes; considerate of others or self centered. There is no thoughtful, reasonable evaluation of “who” or “what” a person is, though. In the first five to ten seconds of meeting an individual a seed is planted in our mind and we judge that person. That initial assessment can be powerful; whether it is accurate or totally off base.

Time is fickle. There are days and weeks that seem like they will never end. Yet years pass by in what appears to be the snap of your fingers.

How often do we take time for self reflection? What consideration is there, not only of our relationships with family, friends and co-workers, but the difference we can make in our community and the impact we can have on the world at large?

Thankfully, we have the power of choice. We are able to learn new things; to benefit from our mistakes. We are able to reconsider our positions. We can adjust our course. Outcomes are not predestined.

Seeds planted may mature to be harvested…or the fruit may die on the vine. The result is impacted by the situation in which an organism exists; if conditions to facilitate a positive outcome are present; whether nurturing is provided that will be beneficial and if the strength of the effort put forth to succeed is sufficient.

My advice is to be thankful for each day; to make the most of the opportunities life brings your way; to endure the difficulties and enjoy the pleasures; to be thankful for the life with which you have been blessed; and finally to understand that each of us travels an individual journey and each of us are at the same time connected.