The New Frontier

Frontier is a word used to describe a region at the edge of a settled area.  It is a transition zone where explorers, pioneers, and settlers were arriving.  As pioneers moved into the "frontier zone" they were changed by the encounter and were offered the psychological sense of unlimited opportunity.  

Some people stay in one place all their lives.  Both physically and mentally. Never exploring new things and never getting outside their comfort zone.  Roots can be a wonderful thing.  They anchor and ground you, giving you a sense of security and contentment.  Everything is familiar and safe.

Then there are the gypsies.  Those people who don't seem to stay in one place for very long.  Always longing  to take more in of what life has to offer.  Different is not bad or scary...it is to be fully explored and appreciated.  The discoveries become a part of you leaving you changed, hopefully for the better.  Traveling frequently means being honest about what you own. Keep your load light - only what is important and necessary makes the cut.  

Many times over the last decade I found myself staring at the reflecting image in the mirror and asking "who are you?"  I no longer see the young woman I once was...inside or out.  Up until I married Ed there was not a spontaneous bone in my body.  I liked roots, routine, the familiar.  My wedding marked the turning point.  It was time to grow wings and discover what else was out there.  Let go of all I knew, step out in faith, and be determined to enjoy the journey.  My newest frontier awaits, and I accept that there are many more frontiers ahead.  Each offering new opportunities for personal growth. I have learned to keep my load light and embrace the changes.  My motto has been "bloom where you are planted."  You can be as happy or as miserable as you are determined to be.  

The next frontier for my family is on the horizon.  It takes the shape of a ranch north and west of where we live now.  Located outside of a ghost town and the closest gas station, grocery store, or school for my girls is 30 miles away down dirt roads.  No neighbors to be heard or seen.  Surrounded by land.  Heaven to some and hell to others.  What do we miss when we refuse to explore these new frontiers?  Are we too busy hanging on to what has been to see what lies ahead?  What do we sacrifice to leave?  What do we sacrifice to stay?   What is important enough to take with us?  Will we bloom and thrive where we are planted or wilt and die because we were unwilling to adapt and grow?

For each new frontier, the responses are as different as the person giving it...yet the answer to each one lies within us.