Don’t Accept Too Little

By Garry Cook, M.Div., LCSW

When I’m traveling and have time, I get off the interstate and take secondary, and sometimes, back roads, to do my trip. I do this to make it a much more interesting drive. While designed to get us “there” faster, the view along the side of an interstate highway is usually plain and boring. The views along secondary and back roads are often much more diverse and pleasurable, and can even provide learning experiences on occasion.

In 1978, Scott Peck wrote his book, The Road Less Traveled. He starts that book with the line, “Life is difficult.” That is true for everyone. My forty-plus years as a therapist confirm that. The road less traveled is the path through awareness, both internal and external, broad spirituality, discipline, and love that matters. While the vast portion of the world’s inhabitants live their lives on the surface where there is little to see and experience, those on the road less traveled take a more difficult route that not only is worth more spiritually but also makes learning deep truths about life and our place in the universe much more likely.

Our lives give us choices not unlike the interstate and the back roads. We are only going to see and experience what is along our life roads: relationships, experiences, wonder and imagination, meaning, and reflection. These and more along our life’s roads allow us to have a deeper, more meaningful, experience of life. Those who spend most of their lives on the “interstate experience” will get to the end of life faster, but will have missed so much of the depth that makes life worth living. But our lives are our own. The choice is ours. Wonder or blindly accept, listen or tune out, think or sleep, reach out or keep our hand in our pocket, relate or isolate.

A good resolve for the new year is to travel your road less traveled whenever it can be done. 

Become aware and truly live.