Picking Our Path

From the Anna K Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Meditation Cards, 'Die Before You Die:'

           When we must choose whether to take the well-traveled path or follow a new one, we struggle. What is familiar is comfortable; we have some experience with what to expect. A new path is filled with the unknown, with results and challenges we have no idea about. It gives us a feeling of groundlessness and being untethered. Yet our feelings aren't always accurate guides to reality. We might miss out because of our fear of the future.
          The Sufi phrase 'die before you die' means that we learn to let go of whatever we're clinging to, whether it is a person, thing, or idea. Releasing gives us the space we need to see with clarity. The quote for this card comes from Stephen Levine:

We are so attached to how we appear in the world, in relationships... But when we do this practice of turning mindfully to the idea that we are going to die, we stop delaying our lives. We start catching up with ourselves.

These two cards are good reminders to look logically rather than fearfully at our choices. Or at least do as Mary Oliver states: "I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering: what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?"