Pausing within a current path gives us a view of our journey from the place we are now
From that path we can see the traveled paths of yesterday and a guide for our next step
For what will be, our view stretches beyond our eyesight – ahead, behind, left and right
Each time we look behind and ahead, the mind’s eye changes that which we see
And so we ask, what is our next path and what will lead us to our next place
Looking back requires a body twist to see the footprints on paths from our past
To retrace the steps of how our steps led us to our current place
To exult at the great times that occurred along our journey
To feel pain and sorrow for how the journey moved us to a regret or a loss
Looking back opens us to contemplation
To learn that our footprints cannot be changed or erased
To understand that our footprints provide insight
To plan for the next footprint of our journey
The road ahead is lit with direction signs, lights and markers
We need to see where the signs are directing us to take steps and choose
The road ahead takes us away from where we are today
Step after step is filled with ups and downs and bends that will change our journey
The road ahead is filled with other footprints that can hide our chosen path
As we step out we need to select the direction that fits and satisfies
The road ahead is calling us to continue our journey, to step further than we can see
It is our choice to pick the pace – quick or slow or pause as we gaze and wonder
The footprints of our past fade into the shadowy world of where we were
It is not just the aging; it is the miles that make our journey long
We seek guides to help us select the next step
Is it the footprints left by others?
Is it the footprints on the road behind?
Is it the wish for footprints in our head, of dreams not yet fulfilled?
Is it all so muddled that we can take any road going no where in particular?
Every step is filled with strength and weakness, hope and fear, dreams and disappointments
The ground needs to be strong enough to support the next step
When a blockage appears in the road it needs to be overcome
We have to listen to the voices in our head telling us go or stay
The journey will be a fundamental part of your life’s desire
The road ahead is never the final steps of our journey
Which road we choose will lead us to the path that guides us, lifts us and gives us hope
Choosing a road is the only way to get to the paths that lie beyond for us
To travel far and travel well
For our footprints to leave a mark for others to see
To learn how to take all our steps in stride
Know that your journey will be filled with roads of many lengths, many directions
Take steps with courage to travel the road to the place you need to be
Have faith that each step will leave a footprint along your way
Richard Oppenheim helps individuals and companies get better. His effort is to deliver short term actions that will serve as the foundation for achieving long term goals, such as getting unstuck. He maps what is desired with what can be accomplished and then help create a personal road map for going forward.
As a CPA, Richard was an early innovator of computer based resources. Over the years, his efforts have integrated lots of business processes, personal actions, technology resources and decision making. He has developed computer based professional education courses and co-founded a company providing on-line education courses covering the areas of security, management and control over IT operations.
As an adjunct professor at NYU’s Graduate School of Business, Richard served as a Director with NYU’s Management Decision Laboratory. He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and did post-graduate work at New York University.
His writing includes books, magazine columns, computer product reviews, feature articles, trade association pamphlets, book editing and ghostwriting.
His journey continues as he endeavors to guide and illuminate the path that others need to take.
