Recently I made a journey with two relatives to Cherokee, North Carolina, where the remnant of the once proud Indian tribe has gathered.  We went in search of genealogical records that would prove that we have this particular blood line in our DNA, a heritage that each of us would proudly claim.

Gentle, peaceful and wise, they farmed and lived in harmony with nature in this beautiful and ancient land.  With their own alphabet and sacred customs, they were in most ways far more “civilized” than the political leaders who sent them away to Oklahoma on the infamous  “Trail of Tears.”

Back home, I came across a quote I had clipped several years ago because its message pertains to the natural way we learn and develop – – by following the trail of what we hold close in heart.  Here is the Cherokee quote:

“DO NOT ALLOW OTHERS TO MAKE YOUR PATH FOR YOU. IT IS YOUR ROAD AND YOURS ALONE.”