On the Trail to Paradise
When was the last time you went somewhere you’ve never been before?
I just love that moment when I pass the threshold from the known to the unknown.
It’s both exciting and scary; it awakens my childlike wonder, curiosity, sense of adventure, as well as the little voices of fear and doubt that tag along for the ride.
That’s how I felt when I took my bike for a solo ride on the T’Railway from my house to the town of Paradise. I’d walked it plenty of times through the neighbouring Bowring Park and a little past that, but not much.
When my familiar path ended, I stopped. I had no idea where to go. The trail ended on a busy street. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe the trail didn’t go all the way to Paradise. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I should go back or wait to do it with someone who’s been here before…
I took a deep breath, asked for Guidance and waited.
I soon spotted a couple of cyclists across the busy street. As they turned a corner, my eyes spotted a pathway sign hidden in the trees. My courage returned!
Yay! Smooth sailing from here! Well, not quite… Bumpy gravelly riding, but hey! That’s why I bought a hybrid.
Without the high winds and cold from the week before, it was perfect – and so much flatter than my roller-coaster ride to campus!
After about 15 km (~9.5 miles) I reached Octagon Pond. Friendly strollers told me I was still far from the ocean, so I decided that was enough.
My way back was much faster. I hadn’t realized there’d been a slight incline most of the way.
I love how you see different things when you’re heading in the opposite direction.
This time, I spotted Berg’s Famous Ice Cream when the trail crossed a major intersection. I treated myself to a double scoop of mint-chocolate & cherry cheese cake on a cone. Bonus!
3.5 hours later, I was back home. I was proud and happy I’d answered that call to get out of the studio and explore the world around me.
What about you?
When was the last time you played tourist in your own town?
Do you ever walk or drive not knowing where you’re going – listening for an inner “Left” or “Right” at every intersection?
Is there an activity you’ve always wanted to try “some day”?
What adventure calls you?
Listen. Stretch. Grow. And have fun with it.
Then tell what this post inspired you to do in the comments below. I’d love to know.
How wonderful this post is here today. I have been contemplating a move that is like this – moving me to the unknown, relying on myself entirely. And all of this shows up. Ask for guidance and follow that I get from your post. Be willing to trust that inner voice.
Fantastic Gordon! Glad my bike insights were of service to you today. I think I could start a whole philosophical blog on what I’m learning from my bike rides this week 🙂
Thank you. I feel like dusting off my bike and finding a trail!
Yay! Enjoy!
Thank you Dominique for your sharing … Enjoyed tremendously!!!
Often never know at the end of the driveway if I’m turning left or right.
Love playing tourist in this beautiful province.
Love that feeling of stepping into new experiences too.
Happy exploring.
Namaste.
Played tourist Tuesday past.
Looking forward to riding in a hot air balloon in God’s time.
Blessings,
Pam
Oh fun Pam! I’ve never been in a hot air balloon. I’ve never seen on in Newfoundland.