Tuesday, December 06, 2011

On journeys

"When the road ahead seems too long, look back to see how far you've come. For, even if the hill before you is steep, the view gives you hope to finish the journey."
Daniella Kessler
Ms. Kessler's words feel somewhat more substantial to me tonight. I've been thinking about journeys for the past few days, especially the really extended one I seem to have been on over the last few years of my professional life.

At various points, it hasn't been clear to me where all the twists and turns would lead me. It's not as if the road I've been on has been remotely conventional - I'm still looking for that manual for geeky journalists in the Internet Era - and I've often wondered if I should have simply taken the easier path. Wouldn't it have been easier had I stuck with the Mother Corp cubicle?

Easier? Perhaps. Memorable and fulfilling? Doubtful. I was born a writer, and it made no sense for the adult me to fritter away that gift. I needed to follow that little voice that kept telling me to listen to my gut (and my wife.)

So tonight I wrote some more. In a few minutes, I'll do some live radio from my driveway. Tomorrow morning, I'll get up really early and drive through darkened streets to a brightly lit studio where I'll have the privilege of appearing on a top-rated national morning show. None of this is linear, or even logical. But it's me. And it's turned into a hell of a journey.

Your turn: Where is your journey taking you?

6 comments:

Mark said...

This is where my journey is taking me. Thanks for encouraging me to think and reflect, as you oft do Carmi. :-)

CorvusCorax12 said...

i have no idea

CorvusCorax12 said...

watching you right now :)

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I still have no idea.... 4 years ago, I thought I knew- then those plans blew up... The journey I am on is one I am not too crazy about...I am being patient tho..

mmp said...

if i knew the answer to That question...

so far my journey is taking me to the next step...and it's been one step at a time for some while now

i think....that i'm ok ( ish) about it

( maybe!)

Dawn said...

And I have to say you are doing very well on your journey! I always enjoy listening to/reading your words of wisdom.
My journey seems to be one-minded as of late....hoping a fork in the road leads me elsewhere soon.