Growing up I had a pet cow named Chocolate. I took pride caring for her on our hobby farm. We had lots of miscellaneous animals from time to time: horses, chickens, bunnies. But we always, no matter what, averaged 20-25 cows.
The farm provided two natural water sources for the cows in all seasons. One was a creek that ran throughout the property, but it was about 500 yards away, across a large field. The other much closer: a small pond behind the barn. Most of the time the cows were in the pasture with access to the creek. They would walk a well-worn path several times a day, following the lead cow. The groove created by the hooves is what’s known as a “cowpath”. The cows follow single file, knowing there is nourishment at the end.
At times, after a heavy rain, and the creek was running too fast, the pond would hold enough water for the cows to drink from it. Instinctively, they would follow the shorter path to the pond for their daily drink.
While I don’t live on a farm anymore, I have trails throughout my property which I walk every single day. I have noticed that by going over the same path sometimes several times a day, I have created my own Kerrypath. I walk this path for the nourishment provided by nature. It’s my path, my groove in the earth.
There are days when the path has trees down which need to be cleared. There are days when the path is soaked from rain. And there are days when the path is lost in snow. I follow my Kerrypath until I need to adjust my route. Yet, with each step I take, I am in a search of nourishment.
You have your own path. It’s whichever path brings you to nourishment. It’s the path with your grooves, leaving traces of how many times it’s been traveled. And just like the cowpath, it can be traveled until it no longer serves.
I think the cows got it right. Trust your lead. Follow your path to nourishment. Adjust as needed.
KerryOn Questions
- Are you on the path you were meant to follow?
- Are you receiving nourishment at the end of the path?
- In what ways do you need to adjust your path?
The Kerry behind KerryOn
My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!
To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.
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