There is No GPS in Life...
By Charlotte Bennardo
So many roads, not enough time. Our lives are a series of crossroads and paths. Every decision we make sets us on a journey, possibly a different direction. When it came time to apply to college, I chose one that was far away from my hometown. That choice was predicated on being on my own, not having to live at home and commute. The next choice was to try and find a journalism job in Upstate New York, where I'd gone to college. After that, I made a decision to return to my hometown, leaving the boyfriend and his marriage proposal. Other paths have taken me to numerous jobs, several degrees, a number of moves through several states to where I am today. It's easy to say that I might make different choices if I could go back in time, but hindsight is 20/20, and not knowing how the changes would affect my life, it's easy to say I might do things differently. Only Ebenezer Scrooge had an easy choice- remain a mean, stingy, odious man (to quote one of the versions) or change and become a generous, kind man. If only all decisions were that easy!
The last 'big' decision I made was to go for my MFA. I wanted to take this road but life, finances, time, and circumstances were impediments that were too hard to overcome at the time. When I finally made the decision to go for it, I was nervous and worried, and actually considered dropping out. Would it be another road, or maybe better yet, road abandoned, turned back on? But I stuck it out. Whatever path, road, journey we choose might not be for the best, but we have to take ownership of it. Sometimes there are hard lessons to learn, so the choice, in the overall picture, was important in our life. Other times, we need to turn around, go back, and start over, choosing a wiser path.
Wishing you wisdom and serenity in the choices you'll make in the New Year.
Charlotte writes MG, YA, NA, and adult novels in sci fi, fantasy, contemporary, and paranormal genres. She is the author of the middle grade Evolution Revolution trilogy, Simple Machines, Simple Plans, and Simple Lessons. She co-authored the YA novels Blonde OPS, Sirenz, and Sirenz Back in Fashion. Currently she is working on several novels for both children and adults. She lives in NJ with her family, two demanding cats, and a crazy squirrel couple who just moved into her backyard oak tree.
This is awesome. Just think--if you'd made any different decisions, you'd be wondering what THIS life would have been like. :)
ReplyDeleteWe, as authors, can imagine many different possibilities if we got a "do over". But this moment gives us all the insight we need to move forward. Every path has a lesson worth learning. Thanks for the reminder and Happy 2022 Charlotte!
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