This week, I’m on a blog-cation! So I’m reposting some of my top posts. I may be able to sneak some quality WiFi time in when my husband isn’t looking, but probably not. So please feel free to discuss amongst yourselves!
Taking the Road Less Traveled* (originally post May 23, 2011)
Sometimes I wonder what compels me to take that weedy path, the one that’s overgrown because few people go there. Sometimes I tromp across a meadow that doesn’t have so much as a deer trail, just because I think there should be a path there, and darn it, someone’s got to be the first.
What is my problem? And more importantly, is this behaviour I would encourage in my kids?
I realize that I don’t take chances in everything I do.
Wonderful, stable marriage? Well-worn path.
Running for public office? Road less traveled.
Owning a minivan, carting kids around? Paved road with lots of traffic.
Trying to write novels for a living? Weedy path.
So what makes me decide it’s worth risking time/money/effort to pursue a goal (writing) that may end up snarled somewhere in a ditch?
The truth is that I agonized over that decision and still revisit it on occasion, as if I’m not finished with the agony just yet, needing to vex my conscience a little more. I’m relieved that Dark Omen wants to be a physicist first and a novelist on the side, even as I abet his dream by planning to upload his novel to smashwords so he can share it with his friends. I worry that Mighty Mite loves Hip Hop dancing more than math, even as I can’t resist putting up mirrors in the basement, turning it into his own private dance studio.
Do I really want to encourage them to be risk-takers, like Mom?
Never mind that it’s worked out well for me, most of my life. My mom says I lead a charmed life, that things seem to go my way. Maybe she’s right. Or maybe I make my own luck, by working hard to be ready when Opportunity comes knocking on my door. Either way, what seems like a calculated risk when I’m taking it, seems like crazy foolhardiness when it’s my children’s futures at stake.
So, I take a deep breath and whack down the tall grass in my way with a machete I won online (being at the right place at the right time) – and take the biggest risk of all: daring to be myself, even when the kids are watching.
Do you hope your kids will take the safe path or the road less traveled?
Good question! There is something very safe and fulfilling in take a sure, established route for the fundamental areas of your life — a healthy relationship, a solid career — and then forging right through weeds and brambles and swamps to fulfill your dreams of writing, dancing, painting, sky diving, scuba diving, or even (in the case of a husband of one of my blog buddies) and Elvis Impersonator.
That's a tough question. There are risks and then there are risks. I took a lot of foolish risks when I was young, so I don't want them doing that.
But calculated risks? That I'm okay with.
Can I borrow your machete? My grass is, um, long.
I hope you're enjoying your blog-cation! I have been a total slacker this summer when it comes to blogging and other social networking. 🙂
My parents were all about "the back-up plan," and being practical. I've given my kids encouragement to follow their hearts. Thus, I've produced a writer and an actor. My son informs me he will be living at home until he's in his 40's. Better that than unfollowed dreams.