The Path Ahead

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“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives”. – Henry David Thoreau

As 2016 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’ve yet to go. It always comes as a surprise that the year has moved along so quickly. Time seems to flow faster and faster each and every year. It astounds me.

As my children grow older I realize that the years they have left at home are less than those difficult exhausting years behind us when each day felt like an eternity. Now when I look back with nostalgic eyes, I wonder where the days of diapers, meltdowns and sweet moments of kisses and cuddles all went. I miss those days yet I didn’t have a lot of time for myself.

Now it is time to plan for the path ahead. The words of poet Mary Oliver sing inside my head, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Those words both inspire and haunt me as I find myself at a crossroads a bit unsure of which direction I want to take. Will it come to me before it is too late? Before I settle in to the comforts of life? Let’s hope so. I don’t ever want to look back with regrets of the path not taken.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Every every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley”.-  Theodore Roethke

Happy New Year!

70 thoughts on “The Path Ahead”

  1. Marilyn Albright – Home Based in Sterling, Alaska – Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has been home for more than 40 years. My husband, David, and I live on 10 acres of forest near the town of Soldotna. We are more or less retired, meaning we are retired from gainful employment but not from life! Our son lives in Australia and our daughter in Colorado. Photography, fiber arts, reading, and hiking/walking are some of my interests, and David shares my love of gardening, camping, cooking, and traveling, plus he is our tech expert.
    Marilyn Albright on said:

    Thanks for the lovely photos and wise words, and thanks for all you do for others. I wish you and your family the best in the year to come!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Marilyn! Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓
  2. CarolynEliason – Sarasota, FL. – I have always enjoyed photography, but with encouragement from family and friends over years I began to realize I really love it! This blog began in 2014 as a weekly themed blog with a group mainly located here in Florida. That group no longer exists so I decided to switch things up to a monthly themed blog. Thanks for following me over the years and if your new, I hope you enjoy my photos. 😊
    CarolynEliason on said:

    Glad I found your blog this year, I have really enjoyed it. One morning you will wake up and your pathway will be waiting! Enjoy each moment now to the fullest, those little ones will be gone before you know it!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Yes that is the scary part. Love having my kids around!

      Reply ↓
  3. Pat – Jackson, Michigan – My blog is where I share how I see life - through photography, story, memory, and self reflection. I get great joy from blogging and especially from commenting with my world of blogging buddies. I'd love for you to join us.
    Pat on said:

    I am 73, and can relate to what you are saying. My challenge seems to be the same even though I have been retired from work for 6 years and retired from active parenting for almost 30 years.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I can see how it is a lifelong quest Pat! Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓
  4. arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
    arv! on said:

    Hey! Nicole it’s true that days are running fast! Wishing you a happy 2017.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Too fast! Happy New Year!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow sounds like where my son is heading as he is quite tall for 12. Do you have any grandkids yet?

      Reply ↓
  7. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    You’ll know what to do. Just be gentle with yourself until it reveals itself. Exquisite photos Nicole. Wishing you and your family all the best for the new year.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you Alison! Happy New Year to you and Don! What is on the agenda for 2017?

      Reply ↓
      • Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
        Alison and Don on said:

        Mexico/Guatemala/Cuba until Mar 1st, then Vancouver for 2 months, then Spain/Portugal and either some eastern European countries or north African countries until the end of Sept, then 3 month back in Vancouver. That’s the plan anyway but it can change in a heartbeat. You have any travels planned?

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow that sounds wonderful Alison! You will have so much fun and lots of wonderful stories to share. I’m going to Costa Rica next week and then we are going as a family to a different part at the end of March. Should be fun!

      • Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
        Alison and Don on said:

        Oh CR is on our list too! (But not next week lol)

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        It was WONDERFUL Alison! I LOVED Costa Rica. Got back late last night. More soon. I have tons of tips for you if you go.

  8. roninjax – Florida, U.S.A. – Throughout all my years of work in various positions it seems like I've mostly enjoyed sharing my thoughts on paper and through speaking engagements, informing and encouraging. I desire to do my part in sharing and currently feel the need to focus on travel-related subjects as well as life experiences. I look forward to our journeys together, around the world.
    roninjax on said:

    Thought provoking and true. Our paths are before us. Some are lighted and some are obscure, or dark; some are wide and some are narrow. Our personal emotions sometimes guide us toward a particular path but we must be aware our emotions don’t always guide us to the correct path. It’s an occurrence many times a day don’t you think? Thanks for sharing.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful words of wisdom! Thank you so much. So true and yes I agree that many times a day we have a choice what path to take.

      Reply ↓
  9. roninjax – Florida, U.S.A. – Throughout all my years of work in various positions it seems like I've mostly enjoyed sharing my thoughts on paper and through speaking engagements, informing and encouraging. I desire to do my part in sharing and currently feel the need to focus on travel-related subjects as well as life experiences. I look forward to our journeys together, around the world.
    roninjax on said:

    Oh, I forgot to mention – great photos. Happy, safe and rewarding new year!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you as well!

      Reply ↓
  10. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Happy New Year with all its possible paths, Nicole! I went down a few dead-end ones myself this past year (and in previous years), but there are always new ones that branch off and beckon.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Love these words of wisdom Lexi! Happy New Year! 😌

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Andrew! Just got back from an amazing time in Costa Rica. Now lots of catching up to do! Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓
      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks Andrew! It will be a slow process as I have so much to catch up on and I want to do a good job! Stay tuned!

  12. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Happy New Year Nicole! Very much looking forward to following your adventures in 2017!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! Just got back from Costa Rica. Now that is a trip for you! I can’t wait to start writing about it. It was one of the best adventures in a very long time. Amazing!

      Reply ↓

  13. You, my lovely and dear WP friend, are living your destiny every day of your life. I would think that for you, it’s not ‘what will I do in the future?’ but deciding which of the many things possible you will put first, and which ones for ‘later..’ It is a wonderful ‘problem’ to have – a lovely polar opposite to those who have few interests or lack that intrepid gene…

    May 2017 bring beautiful moments into your life!

    (Stunning images, btw!)

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh Lisa, thank you so much for the kind words. Sometimes life gets so busy that I forget. Just got back from a week in the Osa Peninsula in CR and all my dreams are back. It was amazing and just what I needed. Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓

  14. I understand your thoughts in this post Nicole. It can certainly be daunting to reinvent yourself after all those amazing years with the best job in the world.
    Things will come to you in their own good time. All the best to you and in the meantime, enjoy where you are now my friend. Xx from Di

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you Di! Just got home at 1:30 am. Tired but an AMAZING Trip and I can’t wait to share it! Hope you are well!

      Reply ↓
  15. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    The photos are beautiful, Nicole. 🙂 I’m having trouble looking too far into 2017. Plans can go awry. I do try just to enjoy the day but it doesn’t always work that way. Our son is 26 and we still find ourselves weaving our social life around him!
    Very best wishes to you and the family for 2017! Keep doing what you’re doing and you won’t go far wrong. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jo!

      Reply ↓

  17. Happy New Year Nicole! Wherever your plans take you, I’m sure there will some lucky folks who benefit from you along the way. I hope the upcoming year is filled with lots of love and adventure for you and your family.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! Just got home at 1:30 am from Costa Rica. Can’t wait to share the trip with everyone. It was so amazing. I feel so refreshed! happy new year!

      Reply ↓

      • Looking forward to your posts Nicole!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thank you LuAnn!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! You too!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓

  20. Pingback: The Path Ahead — Thirdeyemom | Meikmeik's LifeStyle Images

  21. ailsapm – wheresmybackpack.com – Hi there! I’m Ailsa Prideaux-Mooney. I’ve lived in many places, and travelled to many more. I had a lot of fun getting there and being there, wherever there happened to be at the time. I climbed a castle wall in Czesky Krumlov, abseiled down cliffs to go caving in the west of Ireland, slept on the beach in Paros, got chased by a swarm of bees in Vourvourou (ok that wasn’t fun, but it was exciting), learned flower arranging in Tokyo, found myself in the middle of a riot in Seoul, learned to snowboard in Salzburg, got lost in a labyrinth in Budapest and had my ice cream stolen by a gull in Cornwall. And I’m just getting started. If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far, I’d love you to follow my travelogue - wheresmybackpack.com - and remember, anyone who tries to tell you it’s a small world hasn’t tried to see it all.
    ailsapm on said:

    Hi Nicole, wishing you and your family joy, adventure and lots of laughter in 2017. xxx Ailsa

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Ailsa! Happy New Year to you too!

      Reply ↓

  22. Looks like you’ve found your path here today. I love the quotes. Love the photos. But that third shot—that’s a stunner!!! where is it? where are you?
    happy new year, Nicole

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Those photos were all taken when I climbed Kilimanjaro two summers ago. Amazing. Happy New Year to you too!

      Reply ↓
  23. gallivance.net – On the Road! – We're Terri and James Vance - high school sweethearts who went on to international careers and became world nomads. Today, 65 countries later, we're still traveling ... and still in love. Check out Our Story for more of the backstory at gallivance.net.
    gallivance.net on said:

    Nicole, I can’t ever imagine you “settling” for anything other than a fabulous life – whatever that path may be. 🙂 James and I want to wish you a happy and healthy New Year filled with love and adventure. All the very best, Terri

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thanks Terri! So sweet of you! Happy New Year to you and James as well!

      Reply ↓
  24. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Somehow I feel certain you will find your way Nicole. You’ve already followed more paths than most people do in a lifetime! Happy New Year to you – enjoy the journey!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! I appreciate your kind words! Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! SO glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply ↓

  26. Beautiful photos. I really love the quote by Waldo it’s a good advise in life. I wish you a lovely new year full of unknown experiences. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Otto! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  27. Happy new year Nicole. Beautiful photos and accompanying quotes. It is wonderful to have options and choice to make. And to finally have more time, once kids are older. Took me years just to feel rested and not tired all the time ( once the last one left home.)
    Peta

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for the encouragement. Yes it is hard raising a family but I’m trying to embrace every moment I can as it is going way too fast. Happy New Year Peta!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome! So glad it moved you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓

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