New Paths

Robert Frost's famous poem, The Road Not Taken, has been on my mind a lot lately. I love road pictures. They lead me to imagine destinations and possible futures. This has been a lovely source of daydreaming, but lately, I've been working towards making dreams real. I want to make some significant changes in my life. I want the chance to make a difference and to create and lead in ways I don't get to do now. I am writing more and have a personal project on the go. At this point, my focus is simply on getting something written. Where it will take me is something I don't want to try and imagine right now.
I'm also watching a colleague whom I respect a great deal do what he has spoken about often. He's walking away from teaching for a while to examine his life and his options. We have often discussed our frustrations with the public education system and our cynicism has increased over the years, even when it appears we could be on the cusp of some significant changes.  Will the changes benefit children and youth? Hard to say. In many ways, I'd like to join him in his exploration of what lies beyond this career path I've been on for so many years. The path I've been on is definitely not the "road less travelled." It's a well worn path. That's part of what is frustrating me. I'm seeing patterns repeated and know where they'll likely lead, but the young who have not been on the path as long, see it as new ground. There are so many snake oil salesfolk on this path, too. Everyone has a cure for what's ailing the system. I guess part of the journey is sour grapes, too. I've done the things I've seen be successful for others and yet what keeps coming clear on this path is that those who have powerful friends on the journey get ahead faster or just travel more comfortably. Because of that, I want some control. I have very little in my current role. I'd like to explore my creativity more. I'd like to have the opportunity to lead. I'd like to see where the other path will take me and who I'll meet on the journey.