pathways go both ways

when things simply don't begin at one point and end at another

For a long time, I think I've primarily associated the idea of 'pathways' with the notion of making one's way, moving forward with intention or direction (even if the path is a winding one), or with the idea of following one's curiosity to see what else is out there--all of which tend to begin at one point and end at another.

Yet, the visual concept of a chronological timeline leaves out all the details and moments and interweavings of how life really is when we're living it.

Stumbling upon an old photograph (pictured above) that I took some years back at a beach on the northern coast of what's now known as California, I realized that life is rarely linear with clear stepping stones that only go in one direction.

Pathways can be traversed in either direction. And often, there are offshoots--forks in the road, detours, times when we must back track- even dead ends. And ever present is the option to step off the path entirely and explore places and spaces less tread. Things we don't know--the unknown. There isn't just one way.

This feels important. To say it aloud, and know it to be true, and hold it close as I navigate my way. Letting loose the pressure I put on myself to move only in a forward trajectory, I want to be more comfortable with round-about routes, missteps, and pausing to rest or regain my bearings when the world around me feels topsy turvy or unfamiliar... or I'm just overwhelmed.

(Finding Our Footing art print)

Somehow, I just know that reframing my understanding of pathways can help me feel less afraid of new terrain and less shame when I need to retrace my steps and start again. I'd love to hear your thoughts, too, friends.

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• Dream & Scheme Co-Working Sessions (9/27)

• Creativity Keepers Sessions every second-Tuesday (10/8)

• Freehand Watercolor Patterns Workshop at Nellita’s Craft in Little Tokyo, DTLA (10/5 + 10/12)

• Los Angeles Printers Fair, Carson (10/19-20)

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• @unrwausa // unrwausa.org // Non-profit organization supporting Palestinian refugees

• @jewishvoiceforpeace // jewishvoicesforpeace.org // Jews organizing toward Palestinian liberation and Judaism beyond Zionism

• Find my evergreen blogpost for ways to support Palestinian creatives, artists, writers, and companies + orgs with actions we can take

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© Kimberly Kuniko

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