Throughout my time on this earth, I have come across many different paths, all of which I had no trouble deciding between. However, this time was different. The pale, dirt road that sat beneath my feet split off diagonally in two separate directions. Two paths, made for me to choose from. Each one going so far, they seemed to brush the horizon. 

A feeling of dread and unease filled my body from head to toe. What if I pick the wrong path? I thought to myself. What if I make a mistake? 

After several minutes of contemplating, I decided to choose the path to my left. There was no particular reason for choosing left. It was merely just a guess. 

I trudged down the path for what seemed like ages. Not another being or even building in sight. The bottom of my feet began to ache as if someone had taken a wooden bat and hit them with it. 

Finally, I had arrived at a spot that seemed eerily familiar. “It can’t be.” I whispered, as if someone else was there to listen.  A wave of panic washed over me. Dread and terror filled my body to the brim. I’m right back where I started. 

I convinced myself that I was imagining everything, though part of me knew I wasn’t. Still, I begrudgingly and cautiously continued on, this time taking the path to my right, seeing as it was my only other choice. 

I, once again, walked for what seemed like ages, only to wind up in the exact same spot again. I was so frustrated with what was going on, and the worst part was. I didn’t understand what was going on or why it was happening.  There was no logical explanation. The paths were clear. I tried them both, and neither worked. So what do I do now? I thought to myself. 

Feeling tired and defeated, I collapsed on the ground. I sobbed silently to myself until I noticed the silhouette of something in the distance peeking through my tears. It was a tree. A big Willow tree right between the two dirt paths. I felt drawn to this tree in an unexplainable way. What if I strayed from the path? No, I can’t. That would be wrong. Wouldn’t it?

I pulled myself to my feet and gazed at the sight. I looked down at the ground. The pale, dirt road sat beneath my feet. I looked up, slowly took a step forward, and looked down again. This time beneath my feet was grass. Soft, green, comforting grass. 

Excited, I broke into a sprint in the direction of the tree. I ran so fast I felt like I could run on water. As I grew closer to the tree, I felt all my dread and unease melt away like a popsicle on a hot summer day. 

I reached the tree and a huge smile took over my face. I felt amazing. So amazing, I gave the tree a big hug. When I let go of the tree a thought popped into my head. I realized that just because a path already seems made for you, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to it. You just have to have the courage to stray from the path.