Standing At The Crossroads

We've all been there, we've all endured moments when we stand at an intersection and try to decide which way is the best direction to head. We ponder the consequences, all that can be gained or lost, then venture forth, hoping we've chosen wisely.

Choices seem to be part of our mortal existence. We begin making decisions early on. Most of our early adventures in life revolve around the food we will or will not eat, what toys we will select, and which colors we will wear. Some decisions don't change much through the years. ;)

There are also milestones in our lives when we ponder items that will have a huge impact on the remainder of our days. What do I do after high school? After college? Who should I marry? What do I want to be when I grow up? No pressure. ;)

We find ourselves standing once again at the crossroads upon reaching the status of empty-nester. Now that the children have all fled the family home, what do I do with my life? Do I return to college and pick up the rest of my degree? Should I tackle the writing world again? Would I be better off polishing new talents and interests? And what about this silly body of mine that keeps trying to show me who's boss? What colors should I wear? Which toys do I want? These and other questions keep me awake at night. Silly, I know, but I find that as I enter this newest phase of my life, there are decisions to make yet again.

I suspect it will always be that way. There will always be new decisions to contemplate. This keeps us from becoming stagnant. Fresh ideas and perspectives are crucial to further growth and development. This keeps us alive and hopefully heading in the right direction.

So on days like today when I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up, I will carefully weigh all of my options and then aim for the best direction, knowing there will always be another crossroad ahead to navigate.