“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

The popular, well traveled path appears at first glance to be easiest, but it isn’t always the best path.

While out walking in the woods this winter, I’ve noticed the well trodden path is often packed down with slick spots, ice and puddles. On the other hand, the untracked fresh snow can be a bit challenging to walk through, but feels more secure underfoot.

The same thing sometimes happens with the steps to our house in the winter. Brushing off the snow or shoveling seems like the right thing to do but doing so sometimes leads to ice on bare stone, leading to more slippery conditions. Sometimes, even though it seems like shoveling would make a safer path, it actually becomes more treacherous than if you had left the fresh layer of untracked snow.

When faced with a challenge, do you find it easier to follow a path forged by others or pave your own way?