By now, everyone has heard that life is a journey. And by now, you’ve probably also heard that the destination is not the goal—it’s how we get there. Those sayings are easy to repeat, but walking through the forest of life often puts them to the test.  

The journey through the forest can be difficult. Challenges include:  

The worn path, if a path exists at all.  

Twigs and broken logs to step over.  

A lack of light for guidance.  

Strange, unfamiliar creatures appearing without warning.  

Sometimes the forest feels endless—long, arduous, scary, and unfamiliar.  

Then, I breathe.  

As I pause, I remember words from the Daily Word publication on September 13, 2025, that ground me:  

“Though I sometimes feel weary or unsure, I remember my journey is about trust, not speed. I pause when needed, gather my strength, and continue at a pace that feels right. As I listen within, I find reassurance that I am never without direction. I use my guidance to lead myself toward my highest expression of life and joy.”  

That reminder tells me there’s always a way out of the forest. It whispers that we are never alone.  

The truth is, we don’t walk this path by ourselves. There are always companions along the way—sometimes they are family, close friends, or coworkers. Other times, they appear as strangers who cross our paths just long enough to encourage us, console us, or even challenge us to look deeper. Their presence might be subtle, like a gentle bird’s chirp, or it may feel startling, like a roar in the night that jolts us awake. Each voice, each presence, serves a purpose.  

When the journey grows heavy, it can be tempting to stop moving altogether. Yet, I’ve learned that motion, even the smallest step forward, carries us closer to light. So, keep walking. Keep stepping over the logs. Keep going. As the song promises, “The sun will come out tomorrow.”  

Life asks us to keep showing up. Whether your forest is made up of career challenges, health concerns, relationship struggles, financial pressures, or emotional hardships, remember: you are capable of moving through it. All is not lost. With your compass and flashlight in hand, and with a steady hand on your shoulder—whether seen or unseen—eventually the path does become clearer, and the light begins to shine again.  

Walking with a purpose changes everything. Whistling a happy tune, even when you don’t feel like it, lifts the spirit. Faking it until you make it isn’t about pretending—it’s about practicing faith until faith becomes reality. Every step, every breath, every prayer whispered in the dark strengthens your resolve.  

You have the power right now—right here in this very moment—to push through the branches and vines that seem to hold you back. You are stronger than you think, braver than you believe, and more capable than you realize. Sit on the log if you must. Rest for a while. Gather your strength. But don’t mistake resting for quitting. The forest doesn’t last forever, and the clearing will come.  

So, be strong. Be brave. Keep persevering. Trust the process and trust the light. In this way, you will change the way you see and change the way you live!!!