Life’s Detours

Everyone around the globe is facing a major life detour right now: how does one manage through drastic change in the midst of the coronavirus?

While precautionary guidelines have been issued by government leaders, each of us will have individual challenges and opportunities. In other words, we’re in this together.

Most of us have been impacted at one or more times by natural disasters. Personally, I’ve dealt with the threat and destruction of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and mudslides. Each occurrence was a detour, demanding that I redesign my life path.

For example, a few weeks ago, I was driving from California’s picturesque Santa Ynez Valley back to my home base of Montecito via the mountain pass, which is, for the most part, a 28-mile, two-lane road. While in my car, I saw several law enforcement and fire and rescue vehicles speed past me, undoubtedly, racing to a possible emergency scene ahead.

Sure enough, as I topped the mountain, which is about halfway over the pass, I was stopped by a state patrol officer and was told to turn around. A vegetation wildfire was ablaze less than a mile ahead. Now, this meant that I’d have to retrace my travels and take an alternate route, adding an hour and a half to my drive time.

But, the alternate route was a brighter one. First, I was spared from any smoke or fire destruction that I might had encountered if I’d continued on the mountain road. But, there was more for which to be grateful: the other route that stretched along the Pacific Ocean offered not only views of the mighty waters, but miles and miles of beautiful California wildflowers that decorated the highway divide and shoulders.

“Thank you! Thank you!” I yelled, almost bursting into tears, knowing I would’ve missed the scenery, or, as I referred to it as, a spiritual sign.

I think back upon that meaningful drive and how it resonates with today’s situation. The current detour we are all experiencing is unsettling, but it can also lead us to a greater promise.

Love and light,

Tony

Life’s detours can lead to a greater promise.

22 thoughts on “Life’s Detours

  1. Cathy

    So very true💜🍃

    Mother Nature is reminding us who is in charge for sure.

    The impact in our world is monumental. With acceptance we can learn the lessons and
    experience what we never knew was possible.

  2. Lisa

    Great outlook on life! Reminds me of a trip to visit an aunt in Harrisonburg, VA. Return traffic to DC via the freeway was backed up so I ended up taking the Shenandoah Highway. The scenery was amazing and I discovered a small artist colony along the way where I found some beautiful, unique works of art. It was a great detour!

  3. Robert McCormack

    Beautiful, Tony! I too look at these detours as another opportunity to embrace something better or more meaningful. Well expressed, my friend.

  4. Ronni Wilson

    Thank you for sharing your detour. We all need to remember that life has given us one great big detour right now but we will make it through. We need to remember to be grateful when Mother Earth decides to show us a bit of what is down the other path.

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