Finding our own path 

Posted on by Miriam

One of my great loves is walking. Whether it’s an easy rainforest walk, an invigorating hike into the mountains or an early morning stroll along a deserted beach, nothing makes me feel calmer than treading Mother Earth’s bounty.

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As the year draws to a close the Daily Post Photo theme seems particularly apt and it’s allowed me to reflect not only on physical paths I’ve walked but my own personal journey this year.

Looking back through many of my posts I can see how my writing has reflected my own personal journey this year. It’s been a hard year with the loss of my mum and coping with my own personal issues.

I wrote about it in The Path, Narrow Paths and My Future Back on Track, amongst others. There was definitely a common thread in many of my posts.

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I guess that’s the beauty of blogging. It becomes a release, a way of coping and reaching out, not only to others who might be going through something similar, but also into the depths of ourselves. Learning about what matters to us.

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I’ve reflected on how hard it is to figure out my purpose and where I’m heading.

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I’ve looked back to see where I’ve been, to get an idea of how far I’ve come. What I’ve discovered is it’s not good to get stuck in the past.

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Sometimes it’s only in looking ahead we can gauge how much effort we’re going to need.

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Sometimes it’s necessary to slow down and get our bearings to make sure we’re heading in the right direction.  It’s often those times we need a helping hand and encouragement, like my son here giving his sister a much needed nudge up the hill.

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Mostly though, just putting one foot in front of the other is the best way to go. As my 15 year old son told me so eloquently on his return from camp last month … 

“Sometimes in the middle of a long walk my thoughts would be reduced to ‘left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot’. It’s then you forget your worries, your past, your future and become engulfed in the present moment.”

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That’s how I want life to be as I head into a new year. More forward thinking as I focus on appreciating those special moments and not getting caught up in the little things.

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I have no doubt there will be challenges, stumbles and times when I’ll doubt myself but one thing is for certain. Change is in the air. Positive change.

None of us knows what’s over the ridge or around the next corner. But what is important is our attitude and shifting the focus to appreciate everything along the way.

“But the beauty is in the walking — we are betrayed by destinations.” — Welsh poet Gwyn Thomas

Here’s to making the most of life and keeping our eye on the big picture.

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Wherever we’ve been this year and where ever we’re heading in the future, my hope is for more focus and clarity of mind.  

My wish is that we can all move into 2017 with confidence, grab those opportunities that open up new paths, even if the direction changes along the way.

The important thing is to believe in ourselves and stay true to our heart’s purpose.

Because in the end, it’s not about finding the right path, it’s about finding our own way.

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In response to The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Path

93 thoughts on “Finding our own path ”

  2. That’s so very true, Miriam. We can’t all bump along together on that same path, can we? 🙂 🙂 We find our own way at different rates, and some of us never find it at all. It’s been nice knowing you and following your journey. Whatever it holds, my very best wishes for 2017.

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  4. Change is in the air, oh yes indeed! I can smell it too! I’ve known it for you for a few months now, but I’m also sensing it for myself, too. Here’s to both of us finding that way in 2017! *hugs* ❤

    Amazing pictures! The one overlooking the ocean near the end I found particularly mesmerizing. I can imagine it as a high overhead shot, or a close up shot. It depends on how I'm looking at it. Well done! 😀

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  7. Love this, particularly the bit about putting one foot after the other. Sometimes, it is difficult to see how you can achieve a goal or get to a destination – the mountain just looks too big! But I have found that taking small steps each day usually gets you there in the end. Or it sometimes gets you even further than you imagined! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

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    1. Thank you Jenny. Yes, leave it to my 15yo boy to put things into perspective. Indeed, one step at a time is often the best way to go. We always get there eventually, no matter how hard the road. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead as well. xo

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  9. Wonderful post Miriam. So glad I found it. Sadly I don’t get time to peruse the Reader very much. I love this visual story-telling and it helps so much to carry us along with your journey. What a sage 15 year-old you have – good genes right 😉 Excited at the portent for you in 2017. In tone this post reminds me of my favourite line from Leonard Cohen (RIP!) “There’s a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in” Happy NY!

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    1. Ah, thanks so much Saxon, Leonard Cohen had some classic lines in his songs didn’t he? And yes, my son too cones out with lots of insightful words. He often astounds me. Thanks again Saxon, great to see you here. Have a fantastic new year yourself. Cheers.

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  11. Great post..love the line. Finding our own way..great photos..and challenge..natures beauty and walks clear the mind and give rise to calmness. What wonderful places to meditate in… because they are so calm and beautiful..

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  15. Miriam what a beautiful post! It really touched me. I think we all wonder often what path we are on and if it is the right one. The wonderful news is that we can change it. Yes figuring out what path we want can be frustrating at times. I often feel that life can never just be one path. The path may work for awhile but then it doesn’t and you feel lost. I’ve
    Gone through that feeling so much and am even thinking again about it more as my kids get older and soon will leave the home. My path will open up and I will need something to fill it. Happy New Year my friend!

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    1. Yes, I think that you’re right Nicole, we can change our path and we have to at times because life changes and we have to go with it. I think that’s half my challenge at the moment as both my kids are getting older and less dependent on me. But I’ll figure it out as I’m sure you will. All the best to you my friend as we enter a new year. xo

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        1. Thank you Nicole. Coming from you, a gifted and inspiring writer and photographer, that’s a huge compliment. Enjoy the last hours of 2016. xo

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  17. This was such a lovely post, Miriam. Your words and your photos were exquisite. And your wishes and intentionality for 2017–after a very challenging and often disappointing year–are both inspiring and encouraging. Thank you!

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  18. Beautiful Miriam. I too look forward to what 2017 has to offer. to focus not on the past or the future but to be ever present in each moment. Forging forward come what may. All the best today and moving forward.

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  20. You write so beautiful,your words truly touched me! I would love to have so many people to talk to on my blog,but my hope is not lost.
    However,I hope the new year comes with more love,acceptance and peace in the world,as well as in our inner selves.May God lead us to our best path to follow it faithfully and to be filled with many good things for everyone! Best of wishes!

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    1. Hi Claudia, thank you so much for your lovely words and no, hope is never lost. Look forward to coming to visit you as well. Wishing you all the very best and lots of love in the new year.

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  26. You said it perfectly, Miriam! And I agree with every word. Learning to see more clearly, to realize that we really are traveling a distinct path through life, and to live more fully is a goal I have too. Your blog has helped me with that, and I’m positive it has helped others as well. Thanks for your honesty and your willingness to share…..it’s a gift!

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    1. Oh Ann, your words hit me in the heart. Thank you so much and I’m glad you resonate with my words and dreams. Here’s hoping the new year helps us realise our paths and live the life we truly want. Warmest wishes to you my friend.

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  27. Wow! You’ve summed everything I hope for in a walk, Miriam. Those forests with the drooping branches are stunning and the rocky face of the mountain — gorgeous. Your son is growing to be such a wise young man. “One foot in front of the other”, great words of advice there. I can relate to this post because of what you said about reaching out and finding people (no matter where they are) in a similar situation. I’m glad we found each other! Your support has always been something I look forward to and your posts fill me with hope. That’s what we all need. Tomorrow is going to be a better day and that’s good enough. Sending you really warm hugs from cold (it’s snowing today) Seoul! xo

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    1. Oh, thank you so much my friend. I’m glad we found each other too Cheryl. I always look forward to your posts as well. Happy trekking as we head into a new year, may it lead us both to many new and exciting paths. Big hugs from my balmy beachside camp tonight. xo

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  31. The photos of the various paths are absolutely stunning, Miriam. I love the words of your son, “left foot, right foot” etc. It is true that sometimes that’s all we can do, but it’s enough to keep us moving forward. Sometimes we plod down the path, sometimes we skip, sometimes we trip and fall, sometimes we run full speed ahead. It’s all good in the end, part of our journey. Happy New Year!

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  32. Miriam – Wow! What a wonderful post.. I love ‘pathways’ and indeed it’s the title of my book that I’ve started (several years ago and yet never quite managed to get to the ‘end of the road’… maybe this year…) I believe that 2017 is going to be a year of ‘new beginnings’ and I feel a sense of ‘hope’ in the air in many respects… I know we are both glad to see an end to 2016 and to start ‘living in the now’ enjoying what life has to offer and what we seek out along those ‘pathways’… I wish you the VERY best for 2017! Big hugs sent with love! xx

    ps…Have you met Osyth?.. if not, check out the link to her site on my latest blog post as she has just added a wonderful poem about ‘the road less travelled’ that I think you will love too and I read only this evening.. Now I’ve just read your post and just a few minutes ago picked up a book and read “Embrace your individuality… try to develop the confidence not just to tolerate going in a different direction to the crowd but to actually enjoy it… to seek out new experiences that take you away from the majority, the conventional, the fashionable. Stike out alone and in time you may be surprised by how many people begin to follow you…” I think it’s a message for us both! xx

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    1. You’re so right Wendy, I am glad to see the end of 2016 in many respects however I met you so that was a bonus. 😊 I also believe that 2017 is a year of new beginnings, I’m still not sure of my direction or where I’m going but I’m holding onto those positive vibes and believing that things are shifting and moving in a much better direction for both of us. I wish you nothing but the best my friend.
      I haven’t met Osyth officially yet (I don’t think) but I’m really looking forward to reading the post you mentioned. It might have to wait till I get back from holidays as it’s hard to get all the links here, but thanks for telling me about her poem, it sounds perfect. Something to look forward to. (I’ll have so much catching up to do when I get back, that’s the downside to going away!) But I can’t really complain.
      “Strike out alone … seek out new experiences…” I LOVE the sound of that. Bring it on … Here’s to the new year. Big hugs and lots of love to you Wendy from the beach xo ❤️😎

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      1. I definitely mirror that about 2016.. It’s been a ‘tough year’ for me in a different way although I’m convinced my mum has ‘influenced’ the direction of my life from her moonbeam! I’ve finally learned some lessons that have been poking me for a long time and this year definitely ‘kicked me hard’ so that I could no longer skirt round them or ignore them (work related).. I also don’t quite know which direction my life will take but I do know it’s going to be for the better as I’ll never go back to working ridiculous hours for someone else.. I definitely felt my mum wagging her finger at me! I think your mum will be smiling down now watching you have a lovely time on that beach.. feeling that sense of freedom as you watch the sea… the tide rolling in and out regardless of what happens on land… Life continues and your mum will continue smiling down as this new chapter in your life unfolds in the way it is meant to…
        I think you’ll really enjoy Osyth’s blog.. read back onto some of her older posts – she’s had a fascinating life – she even worked with Queen (as in the rock band not Queen Elizabeth haha)… and she also takes some fab photos!
        Much love and I’ll be thinking of you sunning yourself and no doubt sitting round a campfire this evening as I go outside into a the very cold and frosty weather here in Manchester this morning.. xx

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        1. I wish I was still sitting on that beach Wendy but alas, my three days of beachside bliss is over and I’m once again home and in the throes of it! But I really can’t complain, it was wonderful while it lasted and I absolutely made the most of it, hence the delayed reply to your message. 😊
          I love what you said about our mums influencing us and how you’ve learned valuable lessons, it’s amazing how things turn out the way they’re meant to, in their own sweet time. I feel this coming year there’ll be plenty of changes for both of us and it’ll be up to us to go with it, much as you said about “the tide rolling in and out regardless of what happens on land”. How very true and beautifully said.
          I’m looking forward to reading Osyth’s blog, when I get time! I have so much to do as we’ve just arrived home. Talk to you in the new year Wendy. Enjoy the last few hours of 2016. Hugs xo

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        2. Well I’m sure that beachside is waiting for you and the tide will keep rolling until you arrive back! I’m just glad you had a lovely time.. at one with the beauty of nature – you can’t beat that feeling of ‘tranquility’ and ‘peace’… xx
          Yep – I think the heaven’s are definitely sending down the ‘change’ vibes for us both.. I’ve been in limbo land for the last year which is never the best place to be and 2017 will see me out of that place one way or another!
          Osyth’s blog won’t be going anywhere so plenty of time for a catch up read when you’ve got time to sit and relax (haha…)… in the meantime – here’s a cuppa! (I wish I had a meme of a cup of tea now..)
          Wishing you the best for 2017 Miriam! One thing’s for certain.. we’ll be keeping those ‘brews’ on the boil! xx

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        3. Thanks Wendy and the same to you my friend. May the tide keep ebbing and flowing and sending those rays of sunshine and positivity down on both of us. Glad to hear you feel you’re working your way out of that limbo, I’m clawing my way out, slowly but surely. Here’s to keeping the brew on the boil. ☕️❤️😊 Hugs xo

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        4. I couldn’t agree more.. I’ll raise my glass tonight to the ‘continued ebb and flow, sunshine rays of positivity’! Big Hugs.. just sat in bed ready to start the day with a Big mug of tea.. Enjoy your evening! xxx

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        6. Seems like the order of the day.. we’re in for a quiet (ish) one as our gorgeous granddaughters are sleeping over while mum and dad party! After the year Daz n Jen have had they deserve a brilliant night out so I’m quite happy to put on my comfy night and cosy on in! xx

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        7. Aren’t you lovely! I’m sure they appreciate you so much and it will be lovely for them to have a fun night out. And you’ll no doubt have fun with your gorgeous granddaughters! xo

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  33. Pingback: Path: Boats | What's (in) the picture?

  35. Your thoughts have always been beautiful and positive – perfect to my liking. Glad to have found you this year.

    It’s difficult to move on without your mum around, but then she would want you to keep enjoying life.

    Here’s wishing you have a blessed one!

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    1. Yes, she would Alok. Thank you so much for your kind words, I’ve loved meeting you as well this year. Happy new year and may it be a beautiful and blessed one for you. My warmest wishes to you xo

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  36. I wanted to stop by and say hi. I am a friend of Carol Sherritt, the Eternal Traveller. What beautiful thoughts you have expressed here. Walking has always been my way to reflect and clear my head both in times of trouble and in great times. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother this year. As my mom put it, she felt like an orphan when her parents died.

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    1. Oh Marsha, you’ve touched my heart. Thanks so much for your lovely words. And any friend of Carol’s is a friend of mine. Thanks so much for stopping by. And happy new year to you.

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  37. It’s lovely to read such a motivating post as we enter the new year. Hoping this year we find our own path and most importantly enjoy the journey too 🙂 Here’s to a wonderful 2017 ❤

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  39. I love this post. I real;y like the way you have connected all your different photos to your own learning about pathways. This post is very apt for me as I am looking at new pathways for 2017. I am also really getting into walking so I can really connect with what you are saying. I love the photo of the sea, the way the light is reflecting – beautiful.

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