Friday, October 3, 2008

Destination

What thoughts go through your mind as you view this picture? Do you notice how the clouds stretch so far past the horizon you can't see the end of them? Is it the contrast of the open blue sky with the green cattle fields that catches your eye?



When I drove this road yesterday, and took this picture, I thought about how similar it is to my writing career...

I'm on this path, right? There's an ultimate destination, and it's beautiful I suspect, even though I can't quite see it yet.

I guess I'm headed the right direction, though I can't be sure. What if I find out I've taken a wrong turn somewhere? What if things - things I don't want a part of - await me over the crest of that hill? What if there are dips and turns or rocky patches? What if there's a road block? What if popping that hill lands me on a difficult stretch, and I struggle to navigate it?

Well, I won't know unless I drive on and find out, will I? I can't stop short of my goal just because I fear the unknown. And turning around and back-tracking isn't an option for me.

So I'll continue in my forward motion and know that even if I get waylaid ahead, it won't stop me. I'll keep going, stubbornly if I have to, and make the journey happen. I'll take it easy over the rocks or slow down around the curve - or take a detour if need be. But persistence will get me where I want to go.

I'll get there.

Do you feel the same about your destination?


19 comments:

Melanie Hooyenga said...

What a great way of looking at it. I think you're on the right path, but being ready for a sudden dirt road never hurts.

AnnotatedLA said...

Totally apt description. When I find roads that intersect and I have to make a decision of which path to take is when I'm most likely to think about where the other option might be headed. Until then I head steadily and steadfastly down the path I'm on with much of a care for where it leads.

Barb Davis said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Barb Davis said...

I sometimes enjoy taking "the road less traveled." It's an exciting journey with unexpected stops and starts and a curve here and there.

Joanne said...

I see openness in that picture. The open road, clear land. It's really beautiful. So I guess I see potential, and possibility, in the journey. Anticipation.

WendyCinNYC said...

It looks like you have a clear and peaceful mind, Janna.

If that were a picture of my writing journey, there would be some people lining the road, some urging me on, others throwing tomatoes.

Slendarella said...

I always try to remind myself it's not the destination, but the journey. Still, the voice inside me head keeps pushing the destination side.....I guess it's a delicate balance. Slendie

Melissa Amateis said...

Absolutely. It's a journey that isn't terribly clear, but it's a journey worth taking. You'll get there. Slow and steady, with lots of patience!

Angie Ledbetter said...

So what if all those things/detours come about? You still enjoy the daily journey, and that's what counts!

What does it mean when I looked at that photo and wanted to veer off in the green pasture to the right? ;)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks, Melanie. I think you're right.

la - Maybe it IS good to take off sometimes, without a specific plan. There's something to be said for being spontaneous.

Barbara - Ditto what I said to la. :)

Joanne - I like that you saw potential and anticipation!

Surely not, Wendy. Tomatoes? You're too hard on yourself. :)

Thanks, Melissa. I hope so!

LOL, Angie. I think you should let someone else drive, and merely LOOK at the pasture. ;)

Janna Leadbetter said...

slendarella - thanks for stopping by! It is the journey that makes us stronger, perhaps ready for that destination once we arrive. Good point! :)

Anonymous said...

:) Sweet post. My pic would have no road, but lots of hills and scenery. I can only take one step at a time, and the direction I take can change as well. So for now.. my picture is bare feet on soil.. ready for that next step.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Awesome, Turkey. I love it.

colbymarshall said...

I do think of my path like an interstate, kind of...like I'm driving but I'm not sure what exit I'm going to get of at, and after I exit, I'm not sure which way I'll turn. But the beauty is that when I get there, I'll know I'm there. :-)

Anonymous said...

Janna, I agree with everyone else on this. Your picture is clear and your thought process is correct. You can't get to the end ever, if you fear the possibility of a bad outcome. You make your life the way you want it to be. Never fear the unknown. Understand it.

Linda Hoye said...

What a wonderful analogy! I loved this picture - so peaceful - I want to be there!!

Janna Leadbetter said...

As long as you're not going 100 mph, Colby, I think you're good. ;) Great analogy.

Aaron - I like that you say to understand the fear. Wouldn't we be so much better off if everyone did that?

Linda - Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm blessed to have many beautiful scenes like that in our area. You should come visit! ;)

Terri Tiffany said...

I missed this entry! I'm in the car behind you:)) Don't stop!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Terri, I'm really glad you're there... I prefer not to travel alone. :)