Have you ever been on your way somewhere when you saw something that made you want to stop, like a beautiful vista, a photo op, a kid selling lemonade? You think to yourself, “I’ll stop on my way back.” The next thing you know, your plans change, you take a different route, and you never make it back.
When I started traveling, this was a common occurrence for me. Sometimes I wouldn’t stop because I was on a schedule, and why I did that to myself after I quit working I’ll never understand; it was harder than I thought to break the cycle of calendars and appointments from my lawyer days. Some days I didn’t stop because I was in the rig and not the toad, and there was no convenient place to pull over (I told myself).
Then one day, in Tennessee, when I was about to pass a country roadside stand of Amish women selling peanut brittle, I heard this song in my head:
“Weee may never pass this wayyyy again …”
A Seals and Crofts divine intervention!
Thanks to that duo and that little ditty, I now add extra days to camping reservations, change my itinerary to visit places recommended by locals, and follow detour signs just to see where they lead.
It happened again recently when I drove through Stowe, Vermont. I was on my way elsewhere, and I didn’t realize my path would take me through Stowe. I planned to see the Village on a different day.
“Weee may never pass this wayyyy again …”
Okay, okay, you guys, I’ll stop. It was a beautiful sunny day as I walked the quaint streets of Stowe. On the day later that week that I set aside for visiting Stowe, it rained buckets.
There is so much to be and see and do in this big, beautiful world, and only so much time. We have a finite amount of days on this mortal coil, and no clue how much time that really is. Imagine a game show where the host gives the contestants a challenge, then says, “Start the clock,” without saying how much time is allotted. Such is this thing called Life.
One would think that, with knowledge of the inevitability of death, we would not squander our days. We would live mindfully, and in the moment, as if every day was our last. Instead, many of us live in ruts and routines, naïve in our faith that there’s always tomorrow and that there will always be time.
Since I began my journey over two years ago, many people write to me with stories of waiting their lives away. The five-year plan until retirement cut short by poor health. Travel plans halted by the loss of a spouse. The chance to say I’m sorry stolen forever by death.
I understand, to paraphrase Robert Frost, we all have promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep. We can’t just chuck everything and stop and smell each rose along the way. But, how about every now and then, slow down. Breathe. Pick up the phone and call someone – better yet, go see them in person, instead of texting. Linger over that cup of coffee or glass of wine with a friend. Let the kids stay a few more minutes at the playground.
You may never pass this way again.
This Post Has 18 Comments
Thankyou Tammy I needed that.
What a great read, especially after church today. Please keep the inspirations coming. 🙂 Enjoyed meeting you in New Orleans in the dog park!!!
I remember, Renée! Thanks for commenting!
Tammy! You are so special! Thank you from a guy that is about to turn 70 years old!
Love this story. I have been on the road for 2 years and I still have to remind myself to slow down and smell the roses.
Thank you for the reminder.
Right on!
Yes we aren’t promised tomorrow and need to slow down enjoy today! So glad to know you!
Thank you Tammy. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts. I wholeheartedly agree with what you said today.
Such a great reminder Tamny! You are a wonderful writer. Have a great Sunday!! Xo
Hahaha now that song is stuck in my head. Well played.
Thank you for a truly inspirational writing.
Well said. I think you expressed what my soul feels.
Hello from sunny Seattle! Just started enjoying your blog and the reminder in this post to stop and smell all the roses we can! So true from one whose husband died just short of his 57th birthday-albeit doing what he loved: on vacation on the edge of the Pacific salmon fishing! I noticed you are in Vermont and spending time in Brattleboro! Brought back memories of my time there at the School for International Training/ The Experiment in International Living! 1967-50 years ago this summer! Enjoy it for me as I doubt my path will take me there again! Blessings for safe and rich travels on your way back to Seattle!
Thank you for saying hello, Stephanie!
Great article! Thank you!
Thanks again, Tammy. I guess that is why Joanne and I decided to extend our caravan adventures to Newfoundland, etc. We were coerced and pleaded (LOL) to continue the rest of the trip. “You are so close, why not do it?” I guess that is stopping to smell the roses, isn’t it?
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with you in the Pumpkin Patch! Hugs!
I’m so glad you did!
Such a great reminder!