Life is a constant journey. Every individual takes a path that leads them through the mountain peaks and the valleys of life.
For some it's a quiet, subdued walk along a peaceful river of tranquility, while others chop themselves through the rough and scale the rocky edifices of life's drama. Some parts of the journey we choose, and others are chosen for us.
In 1987, I moved away from this area. Still, every time I crossed the Mississippi River and saw Mud Island and the sign welcoming me to Tennessee, I felt at home.
Last year, I left my home of 13 years to relocate to West Virginia as a campaign manager in a statewide campaign.
I never thought I would move to Tennessee before the year was out. Yet here I am.
For some, there is a set pattern to life. You're born, you go to school, you graduate, you go to college, you graduate, you get a job, you marry, you buy a house, you have kids, you retire, you die.
But for me, I rejected those societal rhythms and instead, like Frost wrote, "Two roads diverged in the woods, one well travelled. ... and I, I took the road less travelled, and it made all the more difference."
After graduation, I may go to law school, or go into active duty service, or run for US Congress, or go into the ministry, or, or, or.
One thing I know -- I remember what my grandmother always said, "Don't accept the ride, if you are not prepared to travel."
So far, at 25 years old, I have lived in Europe, attended two presidential inaugurations, two Democratic National Conventions, saved a life, graduated ROTC Basic Camp, interned on Capitol Hill, sung with a nationally recognized choir, started a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in my community, been interviewed by nationally recognized media, written for two national publications, worked for and managed 50 political campaigns from local to national levels, worked as a bartender and been a Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Southern Baptist until I finally chose the Anglican faith.
Somewhere there, I found time to attend four colleges. I've even stopped to smell the roses -- in the Rose Garden at the White House.
I have experienced the joy of filming a man proposing to his girlfriend.
I also have experienced the pain of burying not just two grandmothers, but two of my friends.
I am experiencing what the term, "Brotherhood" means, while also learning what it means to serve, to love, to laugh and to just chill.
My point is not to bore you or impress you with some incredible resume.
My point is that each of us, daily, have opportunities to do things that many others won't have in life. What we have to be is open to the journey.
Together, we can see that life is an adventure, not just a cycle.
