A Reflection On Choosing Your Own Path In Life

Often, we get caught up in other people’s expectations. Think about the last business or family meeting you attended. Perhaps you were asked questions like: “How’s your job? How are your studies? What do you plan to do next?” These questions often relate to life stages and goals and focus on predefined norms. 

This poem explores why you should follow your own path regardless of societal norms and how your journey can often differ from societal timelines. 

It’s only been a decade
And I’ve travelled lots.

I’ve seen the East to the South
I’ve seen the North to the West 
I’ve seen the poor become the wealthy
I’ve seen the birds flocking to their nest

I’ve tasted food from various lands 
And appreciated the lavish styles
Some of the flavours were bland 
But only for a while 

The money I collected 
Was during the mundane part of the day
The experiences I invented
Was alive to me all the way 

Some ask how I managed to travel 
To which I reply with a smile 
Others question why I don’t settle
They don’t realize the roads are measured in miles

After two years, I found a stop 
Where I decided to recharge a battery
Four thieves appeared right behind me
And took away all that I got 

Now I was left with nothing 
While wandering in emptiness 
I wondered: “Is this everything?: 
As I stared into the darkness 

I pondered at night
Circling the streets
Crying beneath the lights
Feeling like nothing, I weep

I saw others pass by 
Two gave me a ride 
We became friends without saying ‘hi’
We surfed together with the tide

Hours later, above the ocean 
We saw a piece of land 
It then came to a decision 
Before the shores go “WHAM”

We decided how to explore
With each one around the other
On the shore or beneath the doors?
On the land or above the water?

We each held hands and fingers
Knowing that we’ll do it together
Keeping track of who lingers 
As the eagles soar with their feathers

As we stepped on the sand
We shook our hands 
Others watched us from afar
As we saw a line of cars

People came around us 
And for once in millions of years,
I was glad I hopped on the tour bus, 
And I’ll never shed a tear. 

In life, whenever we take the road less traveled, everyone tends to ask us questions. Sometimes, along the way, a feeling of loneliness creeps in. As someone who has taken a similar path, I often ask myself: Do others truly understand me? Or are they pretending? However, I have realized that choosing the less-traveled path has also made me more adaptable in other ways. I’ve learned how to handle different situations and discovered the importance of a strong community. If you’re on a similar journey or have experienced a non-linear life progression, I hope you’ll soon realize that a community out there will value you.

Featured image via Emma Dau on Unsplash