Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
One of my favorite poems is still “The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.” As a fourth-grade student, we had to analyze this poem. Even today, I enjoy the choices and opportunities that this poem gives the spirit. Perhaps, you will share it with a younger person for inspiration, too.
We make choices every day. Our choices affect not only ourselves but others. In the poem, “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost expresses human emotions and the dilemma of this character.
Your Road of Choice
As travelers in this journey of life, we face choices and dilemmas. Besides, they are part of our personal circumstances and experiences. My experiences may differ from yours; however, in choosing between two or more pathways, the paths we choose will affect others. Hopefully, we will choose pathways that improve our circumstances as a society and individuals. While we know that not all will do so, we must consider our choices as did Robert Frost’s character.
At first glance, in this poem, we may view the traveler’s choice as independent. A closer look of his thoughts reflects that his dilemma is based on his knowledge and experiences about pathways – choices in life. Read it for yourself.
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
My Take-Away
What do you believe made the difference? Why? Consequently, this character’s choice is a path that looks greener and less traveled. It is unclear as to why he chose that path, but he did. Perhaps he wanted to be different and follow the minority. Perhaps, he thought, the other pathway, because it looks more traveled and worn, would deprive him. Whatever the reason, he examines a present circumstance and moves forward into his future. In the end, based on his experiences and knowledge of pathways, he said that the paths lay equally before him.
Why an equal path? It is one or another. He weighed in, knowing that decisions have consequences.
He understood that rebounding from a wrong decision may cost him more than he wish. After weighing his choices, he made a decision – he took the one less traveled and said it has made all the difference. Based on his current circumstances, experiences, and knowledge at hand, for that moment in time, no movement, he knew, would not yield him opportunities.
The Mindset – a Leap of Faith
Sometimes, we need help in processing. From reliable resources, we can endure and embark upon the best decisions. We can even learn from the worst decisions. At any rate, the choice of not choosing may be ours to make. To choose faith over fear, what a choice! The character’s mindset to move forward into his future to, whatever lies ahead. Some would say that he took a walk, a leap of faith.
Anxiety in Decision-making
Leaning on the right resources and others can help in making a choice. Do not discount the anxiety. Decision-making and a certain amount of stress are expected; yet we are not to be anxious. How can that be? We find a safe space to deal with our anxious moments. For me, the 23rd Psalm is a source that I reflect upon often. Each of us must find refuge in decision-making. Eliminate fear in decision-making. When the level of anxiety impairs you, seek help (example of a post defining panic attack- Change Therapy called Panic Attack – Change Therapy.
Helpful Resources
For more support to others, we suggest that your read Safe Spaces: Creating Environment for Youth and always Encourage Yourself.