The Way Less Traveled: Forge Your Own Route Rather Than Following the Crowd

What function does life serve? This is something I think about a lot.

What's the point of living? This is something I think about a lot. Even if I occasionally hear different variations, one thing is virtually always the same: a man's goal may or may not be the task he does. The actual goal should not be vanity or any other motive; rather, it should be to follow one's heart when they feel it calling.

Many people drift along with the crowd and do like others do in real life. But because everyone has a unique set of skills, not everyone should take the same path. It's like expecting a fish to climb a tree to struggle in a field that is not right for you. No matter how hard you strive, huge accomplishments are simply not possible.

Two roads diverge in a wood, and I picked the less-traveled one, which was the most advantageous for me.

Lifelong exploration is required to find your life's purpose. My journey, like mine, is not always straightforward and frequently necessitates a great lot of introspection, investigation, and experimenting. It's an investigation into who I am, what I want, and what brings me joy. This path frequently has many twists and turns and can be difficult and perplexing.

I frequently feel disoriented or uncertain, especially in a world that is developing and changing rapidly. Yet, it's crucial to remind myself that getting lost is a necessary step in the process of discovering oneself and that I must walk this road alone; nobody else can do it for me. The decisions I make throughout the voyage will determine how everything turns out, and I frequently have to live with the results.

I had to walk the road less taken and make painful choices in order to find my purpose. During my adventure, I am acting as my own tour guide. I have frequently found myself in dead ends, and there have also been instances when the weather hasn't been on my side, pelting me with crap and storms. It is only me to blame for the numerous occasions when I feel helpless and impatient.

There are no maps or road markers on this less-traveled route. It needs me to be open to go outside of my comfort zone and to consider new possibilities. I have experienced times of uncertainty, doubt, and confusion. My ideals, aspirations, and beliefs have all been called into doubt. I occasionally feel lost and encounter both failure and disappointment along the path.

I frequently ponder whether I am headed in the correct direction during times like this. Yet I now understand that these moments of uncertainty and perplexity are common and serve to teach me more about who I am. I've developed the ability to get through these trying times thanks to the process. To better grasp what I need and don't need, I've learned to regularly reflect on my past experiences. I've learnt to let go of some cultural constraints and expectations in favor of listening to my heart and pursuing my passions.

I've learned that persistence is essential and that it's critical to be open to new experiences and opportunities on this less-traveled path. I can find new passions and interests that I might not have otherwise known about by moving out of my comfort zone to try new things or go to new places. That entails maintaining my integrity despite obstacles and failures. It necessitates the ability to go past losses and tears in order to accept, adapt, and learn from failures.

There are no free meals on this less-traveled path; instead, everything must be earned. It necessitates investing the necessary amount of time, energy, and commitment to achieve the desired results. It entails giving up time and effort now in order to pursue the long-term objective.

Our life's work might be as straightforward as finding happiness or as difficult as changing the world for the better. Whatever our intention, it's critical to keep in mind that it may alter over time. It's also OK to change course and revise our objectives as we gain more understanding of who we are.

A willingness to learn, develop, accept setbacks, feedback, and constructive criticism is necessary for the entire trip in order to use it to better our lives and our abilities. Concentrate on the important objectives and let the rest go. Although we are small in stature, this does not stop us from blossoming in everyday life. Even a loss can become a winner if we give it our all and wait for the appropriate moment.

I'm still developing, like many people, but I have an optimistic view and frame of mind.

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Argentina and winner of the Revi 2021 Reader Award. You can find him at any of hundreds of sidewalk cafes and hire him through Fiverr, join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter or contact him at [email protected]

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Buenos Aires.