The Road Less Traveled

Jan 2

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
       I took the one less traveled by,
       And that has made all the difference.
                      - The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, 1915

Tuesday, Dec 26th, we were getting off the monorail toward the entrance of Magic Kingdom. I know, I know. What foolishness was this to be at Disney World during the holidays? A teeny bit less foolish than those who were there on the 25th! But my sister’s family has a season pass and the visit was planned many months ago. Walking to the ramp I was surpised to see the crowd going down the left lane, but no one took the right. Seeing opportunity, I went down the right lane, the family following right behind, and soon other people followed suit.

I surmised it was a clear example of the herd instinct. Somebody started down the left lane and people followed. It wasn't until I started down the empty right lane that others getting off the monorail saw that both lanes could be used. Both lanes filled with people soon after.

As I was walking merrily down leading the pack, I remembered the poem, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. I kept on reflecting about taking the less traveled road. Looking back, one such less traveled road was my husband and I starting our own financial firm in 2006, leaving the corporate world behind. Working for ourselves meant that we had the flexibility to relocate, which we did in 2014 when we moved to Redding. Moving to Redding got us involved with the Berniecrats of Shasta County, the Redding Women’s March, and joining a Huddle in 2017. We even found ourselves picketing outside LaMalfa’s office in the rain!

Moving to Redding also led to this campaign for Congress. If we had stayed in the Bay Area, I would never have imagined running for office much less actually run for one. Living here has made me more keenly aware of the need for active citizen engagement. I also saw how rural America’s needs and political perspectives are so different from those in the city centers. And yet, the problems are the same. The ills of inequality and the precarity of working people’s economic lives are as painful a burden.

And so here I am, taking the road less traveled once again. Running for office is not for the faint of heart, especially in districts like ours. I am, however, bouyed by several others who, although our paths are different, are also on the road less traveled. I invite you to check out their campaigns and extend your support. We all need and appreciate your help.