The Road Ahead: Travel as a Metaphor for Transformation

Life changes, sometimes in ways we never saw coming. Loss, transition, or the quiet shifting of seasons can leave us standing at a crossroads, unsure of which way to turn. For me, travel has always been more than just seeing new places — it has become a way of understanding my own path forward.

When I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, carrying some of my husband’s ashes, every step became a lesson. The long roads, the unexpected rain, the laughter with strangers, and even the blisters reminded me: life is not about rushing to the destination. It’s about being fully present to the road itself.

The same was true when I traveled through Alaska. The vast glaciers, the old frontier fishing towns, and the breathtaking landscapes reminded me that the world is so much bigger than my grief. It gave me perspective — that while my personal loss will always be part of me, there are still infinite moments of beauty waiting on the road ahead.

Travel teaches us resilience. The road will twist and turn, the weather will shift, and sometimes we’ll get lost. But with each step, we build strength and discover new parts of ourselves we didn’t know were there.

The road ahead may look uncertain, but it is also filled with possibility. Whether you are navigating loss, a career change, or the shifting identity of becoming a parent or grandparent, remember this: every step forward is an act of courage. And just like on the Camino, the road will rise to meet you when you keep walking.

So here’s to the road ahead — to the unexpected turns, the breathtaking views, the laughter and the tears. We may not know the exact destination, but we can choose to walk it with hope, curiosity, and an open heart.