A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Chinese Proverb

A journey of discovery is rarely paved in a straight line. We have all been down that long, winding path before, pulling us towards the unknown. When Robert Frost wrote about “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,” he was telling us about a traveler who was faced with a decision. And just like this traveler, we convince ourselves that one road must be better than the other and live with the stories of our choices. This surely will make “all the difference,” but how do we know, how do we measure our choices? 

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

-Robert Frost

The comfort of knowing can be difficult to give up. Someone once said, “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” I strongly believe that we are all anti-fragile beings, meaning we improve and thrive when challenged. We have to step outside of our comfort zones in order to discover our potential. For me, one step was rediscovering my curiosity. Another was exploring the potential around me. This eventually led to uprooting and moving halfway around the world to Saudi Arabia. An unexpected journey that has made a huge difference in my life. There is virtue in open-mindedness, adaptability, and curiosity. As a father and teacher, I hope that I have modeled these virtues. It is a beautiful thing to experience new and unknown spaces. To explore with curiosity, the similarities that bring us all together and transcend culture and politics. 

I write this considering that everyone’s “thousand-mile” journey is different. Every step is significant, with choices along the way that are carefully considered. My journey led me to the sands of Saudi, and your journey has brought you to where you are today. As bumpy as that road may have been, it continues. 

“I want a life measured

in first steps on foreign soils

and deep breaths

in brand new seas”

-Tyler Knott Gregson

As we continue to venture into the unknowns of “foreign soils,” we take a “deep breath” of life to face the challenges of a “new sea.” I want my life measured in the challenges I have faced and overcome with grace, always striving to be better. I am excited and pleased that the next step in my journey will be in the culturally rich city of Chengdu, China. While my own children start their journeys in college, my wife and I look forward to new adventures and endless discovery. And, I pray that I can continue on my journey alongside this amazing community.

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

George Bernard Shaw

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Jorge Rodriguez, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this post with the following:

Trust Your Gut by Nate Cline

Unexpected Detours by Ray Ostrowski

My Why by Charlie Rizzuto

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?