My dog, Charley, taught me something about the beaten path this morning.
A little adventure is exciting, but why overdo it? Sometimes, veering off the regular route adds a little flavour, but eventually, we need to get back to what we know. (Thoughts inspired by Charley the Chihuahua)
Lord knows that little dog loves a good adventure! He also loves making a scene when our path crosses another dog’s…like the obedient white poodle a block ahead of us on our regular route this morning. Charley tugged and tugged on the leash—he knew exactly what he wanted. A scene.
in avoidance of scenes
Because of Charley’s tendency to harass other dogs and because of the Monday morning quietude, I took the less beaten path on our morning walk. In fact, I’d never noticed there was an alternate route—which leads right into the back alley of a hoity-toity neighbourhood that is a stone’s throw from the river. My little dog was pleased as a peach, leading the way as he trotted along sniffing the well-tended flowers and bushes.
As I looked at the tidy backyards and luxury houses, I was happy about Charley’s quirks. Otherwise, I would have kept trucking, oblivious to this back alley paradise I’ve missed out on for a decade. “Don’t worry, Buddy,” I said to Char, “Today, you get a totally new adventure!”
a totally new adventure
So, I lead Charley to the river instead of keeping to the walking path we always follow. He put his front paws into the river and lapped up some water. Then he looked at me, unsure of what I expected. We kept walking along the river, but he was slowing down, unsure of where to go. He was waiting for direction. My confident little dog was not feeling in control of his adventure!
Back to the beaten path
So, I led him back to the path we take every day and he took the lead again. Though I’d planned to walk a little further than our norm because I am back to my regular teaching schedule and I have more time to spare and summer is coming to an end so we’d better enjoy it while we can, Charley had other plans. I had to boogie as I followed him up the steep river bank, all the way up to the top. He stood, as we always do so I can catch my breath, overlooking the river valley as though he was the king of the hill.
Thanks for the timely lesson, Char.
What’s your point, Rachel?
I veered off my trusted path–working full-time days instead of nights, actually going out of town for weekends, readjusting my outlook on life, health and what the future might hold. This time away was good for my spirit and for self-reflection was needed, but here I am, taking back the reins. I’m standing at the top of the river bank, looking over the view of my summer revelations. And, as I’ve gleaned from Charley’s stance, it feels so darn good to get back to the old routine of my beaten path. Eventually, most of us crave the comforts of what is known.
Basically, I’m saying that I’m back 😀
And to make up for lost time:
Here’s a story I posted today. Enjoy!