did i lose my way…

So, time has passed and somewhere along my journey – I lost my way.

I remember a time back in college, when I was annoyingly optimistic about life, and what material things and experiences were destined to be mine. Some would say I am still annoying optimistic. But in the stillness of my room, I know things have changed. I am older—and though I am not cynical, I have tempered my optimism a bit. For better or for worse, the colors in my rainbow aren’t Technicolor anymore.

There was a time, when I was hopeful about the job, that would lead me to the career, that would lead me to the prominence in the field. There was a time, when I was hopeful about the date, that would lead me to the ceremony, that would grant me some adorably alternative version of the Cosbys. #sigh That time, has passed.

Firmly planted in my mid-thirties, I sometimes wonder – where did I lose my yellow brick road?

Now, there are a few ways to approach being lost in the world. You can panic, frantically attempting to retrace your steps. You can give up, and solemnly continue to inch forward with no direction or motivation. Or you can take my approach. Grab something handy and start craving a new path.

Sounds easy right? Wrong. The hardest part of a ‘new path’ is ...NEW. Starting from scratch (and recognizing where that is), reformulating goals, and letting go of old expectations… it can all be tough. In fact, if it isn’t tough, then you’re probably not setting your sites far enough. (Sheesh, I have really committed to this whole ‘pathway’ analogy, right? J)