Read in Between the Lines

Humans are always on the move, and the moves we make can either be physical or mental. When moving in 1-direction from point A to point B physically or making a move mentally, we will always create a line. You can find these lines everywhere as roads or paths and they are scattered across our world so humans can get from one place to another regardless of reason. The lines are not only evident in our physical world but are also observed as decisions we make during our daily lives. Our decisions lead us on different tangents that take our lives on different paths. Most lines, physical and mental have been developed and molded over time because of repeated use and trust, but many lines have yet to be discovered. Lines between destinations and lines as life decisions have allowed humans to trade, grow, and develop. But to evolve, we must be brave enough to stray away from the established path and always be willing to explore a new line.

An excellent metaphor for exploring new paths, and one of my favorite passions in life is snowboarding. It seems like an obvious example for “exploring” because of the adventurous nature of the sport. But if you think about all the lines that are possible on a ski hill, then you essentially have an infinite number of lines to take. And yet, with all these possible paths to travel and decisions to make, we find ourselves riding many of the same lines as others. Obviously, we have favorite runs, or “lines”, but they are only our favorite because we haven’t found a better way down or found a better path. Many times, I find myself taking the exact same line down the hill, without even realizing it, and many times riding on the same track that I left on the previous run. I most likely do this because that line is known, comfortable and I trust that it will be a good experience. But on powder days, when the snow is fresh, and all the lines on the hill are reset and covered, you are forced to take your own path again. It’s in human nature to follow lines, so if you’re following someone else’s line, or a line that you’ve previously taken, then you’ll never discover a better path. So, whether it’s a big decision in life, or simply a direction you’re traveling it’s never a bad idea to mix up your lines. It may end in something good, or it may end in something bad, but either way, you’ll have learned something about the path you chose, and about the path you left behind.

As previously mentioned, following an established path or line isn’t a bad thing, because obviously that path has been built and developed over time for a specific reason. The paths in our physical world, and decisions in our lives are there because they have been proven to be successful or efficient. But you are never going to evolve or find that next path if you don’t explore between the lines that have already been established. The importance of carving your own path cannot be understated because you’ll never know if a line is fruitful until you’re on it. So, whenever you can explore a new path in life, don’t be afraid create that line and make it your own. Most likely, someone will also take your line and you’ll have started a path worth following.