(1)  The Journey         1   2   3   4   5   6   7   ...More >>>    

Here's a little advice, or perhaps a recipe for growing up that may help you get through the next few years.  You say you can talk to me about everything.  I understand most of what you're going through.  I'm sad that you're unhappy, but I know things can get better.

I guess it works both ways, and I can say anything to you, too.  Right?  So hang in there with me through this (Gak!) very lengthy letter of advice.  You don't have to read it all at once if you don't want to.  But do so eventually, please.  First a story:

A traveler is going through a strange land to get to a destination.  He is hurrying to get there although he isn't sure what lies ahead.  An old woman is sitting by the side of the road. She waves to the traveler.  "Come and sit for a moment and talk to me," she calls.

Traveler stops for a moment and sits down beside the old woman.

"You must be tired, you are rushing so. Do you have to meet someone?"

"No," replies the traveler. "I just have to get there."

"Why are you hurrying then?" asks the woman.

"Because I have an appointment with destiny.  I want to see what's there.  Besides, this journey is very difficult and painful, and I want to get it over with, and arrive."

"Will your journey be shorter if you hurry?"

The traveler thought for a moment. "No," he replied.  "It will be quicker but not shorter."

"Will you be happier when you get there?  Is it a wonderful place of peace, joy and success?  Will better things surely be there for you?"

The traveler pondered for a while.  "No, in all honesty I can't swear to that.  I think things will be better.  But I can't say there won't be problems, maybe even bad ones."

The old woman looked at the traveler for a long moment.  "But you want to go anyway, no matter what your destination holds."  It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes," affirmed the traveler.  "I want to go there.  I have to go.  It's my destiny.  I will make the best of things once I'm there."

The old woman was quiet for a moment, thinking.  "Have you ever been through this way before?" she asked finally.  The traveler shook his head.  "Then I have a piece of advice for you.  Do you want it?" The traveler looked at her and nodded.

"Keep going forward toward your destination.  But don't hurry so.  Slow down and look around, learn from the hard parts but enjoy the nicer parts of the journey, because…..," she paused,  "…don't forget; you'll never, ever be back this way again!"

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