A few weeks ago, I was talking to a psychologist who works with professional athletes. He was out at baseball practice, hanging around the players, observing and also opening himself up in case any of them wanted to talk.
We chatted for more than an hour about life and work and people and somewhere in between, he turned to me and said: “So you’re a road less traveled girl, huh?”
Indeed I am.
I rarely go from Point A to Point B. I get lost along the way. I get curious. I stall. I turn back. I take a fork or a detour or a leap and I find myself somewhere new. I like to see what else is out there. I like the adrenalin rush of exploration as much as I enjoy the comfort of things unchanged. And I like learning from people — or situations — that have something to teach.
I don’t know if it’s good or bad, honestly. Some diversions are healthy … curiosity, or an opportunity, or exploration. I like to take those whenever possible. Other diversions, not so good. Burrowing a hole because I’m afraid of failure. Retracing a path because I’m being too cautious. Jumping in a dangerous ocean because I want to feel something new.
Exploration has always been who I am. I like to take (smart) risks. I like to do things unconventionally, to push an envelope, to be creative. I like to see what’s down the road that other people are afraid to walk. And I trust that I know when it’s okay to take an unfamiliar path or when I need to walk with purpose on the road I’m already traveling.
Maybe I’d be farther in my career if I went from Point A to Point B. But I wouldn’t be nearly as well-rounded. 
Everything I’ve done (even — especially — teaching dance) has brought me to where I am now professionally.
Maybe this quote says it best:
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” — Edward Abbey
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