"Do not follow where the path may lead..."

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I found the above quote in an excellent book I am reading titled The Girls by Lori Lansens. (I will post about the novel when I finish it.)

The quote above started me thinking... I have always thought of myself as a make-your-own-trail sort of a girl. But am I really? I totally imitate other people that I think have good idea or great success. (Starting this blog is one great example- thanks playgroup buddies.)

Where's the line? I mean, do you have to be so totally different to make your own trail? Or just combine qualities you admire in others in your own unique way? Plus, of course, add your own spice to the mix. Maybe I am not quite so individual as I have always imagined.

And maybe that's a good thing- I mean a little conformity can go a long way to improving relations with other human beings. It's good to relate well to others and for that you have to be at least a little similar....

Hmmmm, I am just wondering maybe there's something to following a path and taking little side trips???