Forged in Fire

We are all, albeit to differing degrees, faced with many difficult choices throughout our time here on earth. Some greater in stature than others, of course.

Those with lesser implications:

• What to cook for dinner.
• How to style your hair.
• Which running shoes to buy.

(You get the gist)

Then, those holding much more value:

• Where to send your children to school.
• Which job(s) to apply for.
• Who to surround yourself with.

(Many more of the sort.)

There are some decisions which come about and are concluded with ease, and those that are not. That is the way of the world, which I understand more and more each day.

Of all the important decisions we make now and will continue to in the future, there is one that is often overlooked and cast to the back of our minds, but stands as the most crucial in my humble opinion. This is something that we do, often unknowingly, and via a series of smaller choices along the way, and it is the decision of what I refer to as “two paths.”

All of us as humans have a past. Our own, and that of those who have come before us – the lineage that led to our existence. The good, the bad and everything that lay sandwiched in between, all existed prior to our ability to comprehend how it might affect the life we lead.

As I age, and grow into a husband, father, and professional, this is something that is almost always heavy on my mind. Here’s why:

I consider myself a consumer of human behavior. More simply put, I love to “people-watch” and to hold deep, philosophical conversations with folks from all walks of life. The stories of human life intrigue me beyond measure.

With this, I’ve come to better understand how and why certain individuals operate in the ways they do. The habits we implement, the beliefs with which we hold near and dear, and the perspective we carry with us. In turn, this has benefited my own ability to conceptualize why I am the way that I am. All of me now, but maybe more importantly, all of me as I once was. 

In reflecting on my own (relatively short) journey up to this point, I consider bits and pieces of everything that has culminated into who I stand to be today. Possibly most of all, I consider the micro-choices I made as a young adult – the ones that were mindless in the moment, but expose themselves now as incredibly profound. 

As young children, we are exposed to whatever world we were born into – things completely out of our control. This, of course, is all we know – and to most, a place of comfort. The actions and habits of those around us … that’s normalcy, within our confined worldview. 

It isn’t until we become a bit older, a bit wiser, that we are able to recognize our surroundings for what they really are. This, in essence, is the moment in time where we are faced with the “two paths” previously mentioned. 

Ever so slightly separated from all we’ve ever known, we’re capable of assessing it all at face value. The ways of the world that we’ve been subject to for so many years. The examples that were set for us, the lessons we’d learned directly or indirectly – the “comfort zone” that has, for so long, been our safe haven. Be it a place of chaos or of peace, we now see it for what it is, and must choose to follow suit or to forge our own path. 

The unfortunate reality, at least as I perceive it, is that the great majority continue down the path of all they’ve ever known. The habits and actions which were set in front of them – often those of destruction and confusion, but those that form the path of least resistance nonetheless. 

Our mind loves comfort. It revels in it, because of the ease with which we can wander throughout it. And wander we will, if we so allow. Wandering aimlessly, until another were to some day follow in the same footsteps. Be it in a world of addiction, or of deceit. Of lying or of stealing. These are the epicenter of generational habits and lifestyles that are difficult to step aside from – to break free from and to blaze your own trail. 

BUT …. The latter still remains. The path of great resistance, which presents itself as an incredible uphill battle – is constantly awaiting you on the other side of discipline and vision. 

The freedom and the glory of finding this within yourself – is a beautiful and gratifying thing. Step by step, quite literally, as you find yourself on the backend of the comfort that has so insistently called your name and tugged at every ounce of your being .. This is where true peace might be attained. 

Something that I’ve slowly (but surely) experienced through the pursuit of becoming a formidable human being, free from the path that was once seeking to reel me in, is the true nobility in taking the path less traveled by.

The lonely road, chosen by few, but conquered by those intent on doing so. 

Which did you choose? 

Better yet, which will you choose?

It’s never too late, my friends. Go be great.

Forge on.

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