by Jane Myers

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: May 27, 2009

NOT ONLY CHILDREN RUN AWAY FROM HOME

Yes, it is true I did not deliberately pursue anything with a defined or realistic goal in mind at least, not with any depth or sustained sincerity. I didn't think I had what it took to excel and achieve and as a result of believing what other's said, I now see that I cut myself short in the credentials and achievements department. With no college degree or initials after my name, proving myself worthy, I still dreamed of becoming a published writer, poet, artist and dancer. The two semesters of ballet I took at the Minnesota Dance Theatre at the age of 19, instilled in me a sense of balance and grace. For that I am eternally grateful.

"The problem with her is that she never made any goals, or achieved anything or accomplished anything in her life." These words that were spoken continue to hurt and haunt me to this very day. Some people just don't think before they speak. Nevertheless, I accept and understand that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." I had a few hopes and dreams as a girl, but I never cultivated them beyond the stage of wishful thinking. I was told that I would never amount to anything and further, that I would probably end up as a waitress in New York City. I suppose that was someone's worst nightmare. Ironically, I did manage to land a job waiting tables at an ice cream parlor in Princeton, New Jersey at the age of 18 which lasted about two months. After that, I began to team-up with others who had never grown up, and who had never matured emotionally. We decided that it would be quite all right to grow up in public, and so off we went, into the wild blue yonder.

With tattered bags as heavy as cold clay, it is no wonder we run-aways look so tired and worn out, wandering aimlessly, patrons lost in a crowd, each one looking for a place to dump their bag of woes, complaints and objections. They don't know about the dump or even where it is because they all appear to be walking in their sleep. Do you think we should wake them? They say to never wake someone when they are walking in their sleep. I only know that when I was searching for my own life's purpose and Self Awareness I found myself "lost in the woods."

"Get out of my sight I am tired of looking at you." These words that were spoken with reckless abandon continue to hurt and haunt me to this very day. Some people just don't think before they speak. Nevertheless, I accept and understand that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." My twenty-year old daughter continues to remind me nearly every day that "All Roads Lead Home" and that "Nothing Happens in God's World by Mistake." It is never too late to grow up - I do it whenever I have the chance and today my life is awesome!

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