Taking the Alternate Route

Late this summer, I was off to a week-long spiritual retreat…when I pulled up driving directions, the route looked about the same as usual; however, it was estimating about 40 minutes longer--I assumed it was due to construction areas.

When I got to my first turn-off area and proceeded on the route I normally take, Mapquest Maggie then had me turn on a road that I normally don't take. But I knew from the overall route picture that I would still end up at my desired destination. So, I followed the new route. Guess what? I liked the different route better! It wasn't as hilly and curvy as the other way, and there were towns and other attractions to see along the way...things I never would have seen if not for the detour. Turns out that the route I normally would have taken was closed due to fires--and there was A LOT of smoke. So, to keep healthy, all I had to do was roll up the windows, turn on the air conditioning, and trust my vehicle to keep us moving.

Moral of the story: We may not initially know why our route is changed and may not like that it takes longer, but when you allow yourself to release expectations and just go with it...you may experience new discoveries that you like even more...and the air may be healthier! Embrace the detours and keep your vehicle (you) healthy!