Trust the Journey

The phrase, “trust the journey” has been heavy on my mind lately.

I’ve been leasing an electric scooter to take me to and from work because it saves me hundreds a month on Ubers. This past week, I was running behind, and I missed my window to take my scooter. I was aggravated and annoyed because I had to spend money on an Uber. On the ride to work, I noticed the path I usually take was blocked by workers and a service vehicle.

On the best path

So, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It wasn’t what I initially wanted, and I was frustrated, but it turned out to be for the best. That’s when the phrase came to mind. The journey didn’t go the way I wanted, but I still reached my destination and the path I was on was the best.

A little later, I had been called in to help at my previous job. I didn’t necessarily want to be there. I was tired and wanted to rest. However, while there, I found a homeless man sleeping in the garage. Had someone else been working instead of me, they would have asked him to leave, called the cops, or both. Since it was me, I got money out of the ATM and laid it next to him while he was sleeping. Then I was offered two extra meals and a side dish that was leftover from the wedding I’d just worked.

Making a small difference

The “journey” in this case took me somewhere I didn’t want to go, but I was able to make a small difference in someone’s life that night. The journey isn’t always about you and that’s okay. Sometimes we are in certain places at certain times to help others on their journeys. Sometimes, things seem bad, but the process of the journey could be helping your life or someone else’s, in small but significant ways. You may be having a bad day, or you may be somewhere you don’t want to be, but your presence might help someone on their journey. It might help you.

This sentiment has brought me some muchneeded peace of mind lately. May it also bring you peace.

Martin Strain is an activist and writer with a BA in creative writing and bUneke M A G A Z I N E .org 25a minor in journalism. He is a published author, poet, journalist, and screenwriter, using his writings to highlight important issues and raise awareness.