ABOUT THE JOURNEY

Journey Aboutthe THOUGHTS ON NEW POSSIBILITIES, PERSPECTIVES AND A TRIP THROUGH MONTANA

Lately, Montana has been on my mind. But it’s not really what you’re probably thinking. And it’s not really about Montana. For starters, let me say: If you haven’t been to Montana, go, and soon. Your bucket list and your soul will thank you later. Glacier National Park, in the state’s mountainous northwest corner, with its soaring peaks, deep valleys lit with wildflowers, azure alpine lakes — and, yes, its namesake glaciers, some of which are accessible by foot — tops the list of the state’s recommended destinations. But there is much to recommend about the rest of the state, as well. The night sky will truly take the breath away from anyone. And one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever witnessed occurred while sitting at a highway rest stop in eastern Montana, gold from the climbing sun beaming through the twinkling silver mist of morning, floating above the varying shades of green and tan of the land’s endless rolling hills, scarred only by a serpentine dark river, twisting away, slithering toward the horizon. But again, this is not on behalf of the Montana Office of Tourism. And it’s not really about Montana. You see, for all its stunning, rugged natural beauty, there is something about Montana many people don’t understand: the truly “endless” nature of driving in Montana. I certainly didn’t, the first time I drove into the Big Sky State. And drive, you almost certainly must, given Montana’s general paucity of human development (and humans, in general). Generally, this can be a big plus in my ledger. One of the truly romantic aspects of 700 miles of almost entirely open road in such country are the ample hours to simply contemplate life and the mysteries of the universe. Or the time to simply avoid such hard questions altogether. On a fairly recent 10-hour, end-to-end trip through Montana, for instance, I was able to easily while away an hour or two by annoying my wife with long periods of silence, punctuated by several thinking-out-loud attempts at selecting a new Montana state motto. Some favorites: “Montana: No, you’re still not there yet.” Or: “Montana: The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.” (If you caught this reference, how do you do, fellow Lord of the Rings nerd?) Or: “Montana: You’ll like where you’re going. Eventually.” But again, this isn’t really about Montana. Rather, it was the long journey that nearly any trip to Montana requires, simultaneously allowing my mind to wander while also helping to frame my meditations on the coming year. At this time of year, many of us have big changes we’d like to make. For some of us, they may be physical fitness or weight loss goals. For others, perhaps we are looking at career changes, or furthering our education. Or finding a new place to live. Or taking big, next steps in our relationships. Or simply “detoxing” our lives. But one thing we know about so many of these pursuits is they will require certain things from us. They will require commitment. Resolve. And expense, either of money or something less tangible, though no less real and costly. They will require time. They will require discomfort. And that is why, for so many of us, we continuously put off doing the one thing we know we must do: To start. Only you really know what’s on the list of these self-improving pursuits you are willing to undertake. I have several on my list for the coming year. So here’s to the challenges and the possibilities of the coming year. And here’s to new starts, and fresh perspectives. And, as we journey along our new paths, don’t fret too much over how long it may take to arrive, or even if you might know what lies just over those endless rolling hills. You may just like where you’re going. Eventually.

 JonathanBilykwrites aboutthetriumphsand travailsofbeing amodernday dadwho legitimately enjoystimewithhis family, whiletoleratinga dogthat seemstoadore him.Healsodoesn’treally likethemoniker“Superdad”becauseitmakesit soundlike he wantstowearhisundergarments on the outside of hispants.(Also, thecaperemainson backorder.)