Lily Pads and Skyscrapers: Taking a Path Less Taken

Nature Trail- Tommy Thompson Park- Toronto

People in positions of influence often encourage us to take the proverbial "path less taken" as if knowing this will magically inspire success in the near future. But, where is this path they keep taking about?

One place to explore is in your own backyard. If you're a Torontonian, you may have heard of the Tommy Thompson Park down by the waterfront. I had never realized this conservation park existed, so I went down to see what it's all about.

Sometimes taking the less taken path isn't as life changing as the proverb suggests, but it is good for allowing new perspectives to be considered.

For instance, it was refreshing to know that real nature: trees, birds, ponds, and lily pads exist alongside the condos and skyscrapers in the not-so-distant skyline. This unique angle allows you to look at the city from afar without even leaving city limits.



Tommy Thompson Park/ Toronto Skyline

 I considered that a change of scenery is sometimes all we need to reassess a situation, or to re-evaluate how we feel about a heated topic. Maybe if we can look inside ourselves carefully enough, we can discover an oasis like this, our own "path less taken", which would let us view ourselves/ our lives with greater objectivity.

As city-dwellers, we are familiar with contrasts and opposing views, but somehow we more-or-less live amicably among one another despite these differences. It would seem that we are more capable of taking a path less taken, fraught with introspection and reflection, than we give ourselves credit for.

Living in a city where lily pads and skyscrapers exist side-by-side gives me a sense of comfort in knowing that these seemingly stark contrasts are what make the city and our lives enjoyable and extraordinary!