Tracks

I was pretty young when I started college, 17 years old as a matter of fact.  Soon after starting my freshman year, I met Chris and started on a track.  In my mind, I could see that track going and going and going.  I knew exactly where it was headed.  No doubts at all.  Marriage, kids, and, well, that was the extent of what I could see, but it was the main map of the track.

Over the years, the track has expanded, or the vision has become clearer, to include a business or two, a house, friends... While I couldn't necessarily predict each turn of the meandering route, I was pretty certain what the route was and some of the various stations along the way.

And now, that track no longer exists.  My life is unrecognizable. 

Even with Write Well U, I thought I had that track all figured out.  Develop programs, teach them, bring on trainers to teach said programs, continue to develop even more programs... Now, I realize that maybe that track as well isn't set in concrete (or with iron and railway ties, if we decide to adhere to the initial metaphor).  Maybe Write Well U morphs into something completely different.  I don't know, but I'm leaving my options open.

Funny enough, even though I've been a track girl (believe it or not, I also coached track along with teaching English), I've never been one to make specific plans. You don't catch me making five- or ten-year goals for my business.  I like to keep my options open.  Heck, I closed my VA practice for a couple of years and then reopened it.  I never saw that one coming!  I HAVE learned that life can change in a matter of months (in some cases in Dawn history, weeks and even days).  Yet those various tracks were always there, providing comfort and familiarity and a safety net and even complacency. 

I guess I just never expected that big picture, that track, to all of the sudden disappear.  And I'm leery of creating a new track.  Because I wonder if that gets me into trouble.  I like routine.  I like knowing what to expect.  I want clarity.  Yet, being on a track... can you keep your options open when you've already bought your ticket and boarded the train?

Maybe we NEVER know what the future holds for us in anything. We just think we do. Maybe we never really know what that track looks like or how it will morph.

Maybe there is no such thing as a track.

Comments

[Patricia]

Maybe it's the weather, or the time of year. 'Tis the season to feel like a ship without an anchor. You've got a real gift, Dawn. However you choose to share it, know that you ARE on track!

[Amy in Loozyana]

The track is before us as well as behind us. And it goes wherever we go. And we have the right, and privilege to choose. That's what is so great about life! So, explore a few tracks this year. We're all rooting for you.