How do we know which road to take? Sometimes we think the easiest road is the right one to follow, since it takes less energy and strength. The less effort we put forth, the less pain we feel, the better it must be. But what we fail to think about is, the lack of pain and effort in the beginning may lead to a life of pain and effort in the long-term as we suffer in our continual avoidance of the other road.

This is often the case in conflict, where we think because something is painful, it should be avoided at all costs. We do not want to make ourselves or the other person feel uncomfortable so we might as well avoid the situation all together. But what if a road led to freedom from internal and external conflict? What if a road was strenuous and painful in the beginning, but the longer you stayed on it, the more joyful and satisfying it became? What if, this road led to the end of suffering for the rest of your life? Would it be worth the initial pain and discomfort in the beginning steps?

I am taking the road my gut tells me to take, even if that means it might be difficult and bumpy at first, for I know the reward will be the greatest in the end! We all have these decisions on a daily basis. Is your life always miserable taking the easy roads? Then take a chance and go down that difficult road sometimes and see what results you get in the end. It could be a whole new path your life will set out on.