I don't know what lies around the bend, but I am going to believe that the best does. I wonder how the road beyond it goes - what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows - what new landscapes - what new beauties - what curves and hills and valleys farther on.” 
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Each new year is like the road untaken; it is an opportunity, another chance to change directions, take a different path, explore, experience and grow.  Every January 1st offers new possibilities.  Most of us recognize this and that is why we make resolutions.  We are hopeful of what lies beyond the bend so we determine to make the road in our journey of life better, happier, and more fulfilling.

We resolve to lose weight, eat better, help others, write a book.  We believe that the unseen landscape up ahead must be brighter, more beautiful and happier if only we accomplish our goals.  The road will be easier if I am thinner, kinder, smarter and I will be happier.

But every year much like every road has bumps and ruts, bringing new challenges.  You caught the flu and there goes your workouts; you lost your job and now the only person you can help is you; you try to write a book but the words won't flow.  So what do you do?  Do you quit?  Do you stop walking down the road, seeking a brighter landscape?  Many do and that is why there are still soup kitchens in need of servers and why there are beautiful stories that are never told.  

So what do you do?  You keep trying.  You keep walking down the road because you will never know if the landscape around the bend is more beautiful if you don't make every effort to reach it.  And with each step, you must remember that the walk will not always be easy but you must believe it will be worth it. 

I believe that fate plays a role in where each of our roads lead but free will allows us to decide how to handle the twists and turns, when to change direction and whether to keep going.  Along the way, we are offered opportunities, confronted with obstacles and given choices.  It is in this way that we write our own lives.

Writing your life means creating your own story.  It is allowing the road to take you where it will but also trusting yourself to know when to change direction and when to forge a new path.  The future is the beautiful unknown landscape and its true beauty is held mostly in our belief that it exists.  So take your first step and then your second, watch for bumps, stand back up when you fall.  Climb the highest hill and enjoy the view of the greenest valleys.  Decide your direction, set your path and allow the road to take you to sites unseen and goals unimagined.   

Happy New Year!