Standing in my living room, I gazed at the wall of glass and rain dividing me from the world I knew was waiting. It was a day of barriers, both literal and metaphorical, each one challenging my resolve to get in the car and drive 8 hours to Oregon.
The voice inside my head was anything but helpful. “It’s raining hard. It’s going to be painful sitting so long. You can’t even find a place to stay, that would be worth the effort. As the voice of ‘nope, can’t do it’ complained, it was met with a calm knowing born of years practicing my Wayfinder philosophy—a belief in the power of small, deliberate actions that open unseen doors.
I played with focusing beyond the glass and rain. It was no use trying to will certainty into existence. I couldn’t see ahead – the future is always obscured. My thoughts drifted to a time when I found something delightful by believing it was there.
Knowing But Not Knowing
Have you ever rummaged through an old chest of unusual objects? I found one in my grandmother’s attic. Today was like the day I opened that chest. I remember searching for something I knew was in there but didn’t know what it was. I sneezed. I squinted. I kept looking.
Crushed under the weight of the years, I came upon a wonderful velvet hat with a pearl hat pin. Treasure! I wore it on many occasions. I still have that hat.
Trusting in What Lies Beyond
With each obstacle, from the downpour to the daunting reports of landslides and fallen trees, my resolve only strengthened. These weren’t deterrents but points on a path of trust and discovery. Each question, each forward action brought me closer, not just to our destination but to a deeper understanding that my perception shapes my experience.
We packed up and got in the car. The rain was relentless. The drive was slow, and in places the road wasn’t well banked, giving us an occasional feeling of slipping, the road slick under our tires. We passed deserted rest stops; hopeful picnic tables waited in anticipation of a visitor that the downpour had driven away.
Finding What I Didn’t Know Was There
Three hours into our decision to just go, I found what I was looking for. The heavy rain eased up, the watery grey sky dissolved into striking blue, and a double rainbow shimmered before us, vivid and clear.
Crossing into Oregon, we found our rental – oceanfront, surprisingly affordable, with vast green lawns for Maya. The following days affirmed that we weren’t alone in our resilience. The ancient forests, with their enormous redwoods, old cedars, and steadfast firs, towered above us. Ferns as big as Volkswagens lined the canyon walls. We walked beside rivers, wild and free, vibrant in hues of turquoise and lime green. Around each corner was a sight to see; perseverance that stood the test of time.
In this ancient land, every step was a reminder of the beauty and fulfillment that await those who go and see. Among these giants, I found not just the awe-inspiring beauty of nature but also a confirmation that the path I had chosen, one step at a time, guided by trust and a belief in the power of perseverance, was indeed the right one.
This journey, from the first barrier at my window to the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, was a vivid illustration of the stunning power of looking beyond obstacles. Aliveness and connection come from trusting in the deliberate pursuit of what lies beyond our immediate view, but within our curiosity.
Trust in Your Steps
My note to anyone contemplating their own journey and faced with doubt: remember the path through uncertainty is lined with opportunities for learning and growth. Question the voice, act despite trepidation. Trust in your steps, embrace the journey with Grateful Optimism, and you too will find that on the other side of every challenge awaits the treasure and confirmation you are looking for.
It’s a journey not just to new destinations but to a deeper understanding of what it means to live fully, connected to the wonders of life waiting to be discovered.
So, go find your rainbows.