into the dark

Sometimes you think you know what your doing and where you're going. Sometimes, when you think that, you're even right! But though the goal may be clear and the light at the end of the tunnel is bright, at times the path that you chose to get you there takes you into a deep, dark dead end. When that happens, as Dr. Seuss says, you may end up in a Slump. "And when you're in a slump you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done." The once clear goal is nowhere in sight, and in the struggle of finding your way out of the rut, you may even forget about the goal altogether. What follows are some steps into the dark - unsure of anything but that you're putting one foot in front of the other.

But then as you go you start to remember what you really wanted in the first place, and the vision of your end goal starts to become clear again. You still can't see it, but you remember what it looks like and you know it's still there. Then suddenly you reach an opening and, eureka!, there it is, just like you remembered - but even better than before. And what's that you see? Another path, another way. It's full of twists and turns, peaks and valleys, but you can see the path and how it can take you where you want to go. There will still be steps in the dark and some treacherous areas to overcome, but you have learned from your past experiences and your confidence has grown.

And this one thing you remember: The destination has value because of the journey, so enjoy the trip and bring your journal. You'll want to remember this!