That Fork In The Road

by Joy Foster

February 6th, 1975. It was a cold snowy evening and all I could hear were taxi drivers saying "Taxi, Taxi" it resonates within my memory to this day.

My parents made the decision for us as a family to cross the Atlantic Ocean and start a life in Canada which at the time I was not thrilled about it. Being routed out of school and coming to a country with children that did not accept me because of my accent was extremely frustrating at thirteen years old (now you know my age:). Trust me it was a painful and difficult experience and back then I had no way of knowing the powerful effect it would have on my LIFE NOW!

When you're a child you have no control over what road your parents may choose, you simply tag along following like ducks in a row. Stepping onto that plane at Heathrow Airport, dressed in my British white boots (the Twiggy look), I cried not knowing if I was ever going to see London again or the friends I left behind at school. Now when I reflect back to the whole experience of coming to Canada I can truly say it was a great move.

My mother had foreseen a life for us that would be richer; the beginning of the endless possibilities that I am living now. It has become apparent to me that if I had not crossed the ocean on that day in February I would not have met my husband, the love of my life, together we would create our son Michael and I may never have discovered my passion for being a motivational speaker.

My mother said to me,
'If you become a solider you'll be a general;
if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope.'
Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
- Pablo Picasso

Since then I have traveled a lot but it is that one experience that has made a tremendous impact. That journey has allowed me to grow, take risks, get married, build a family and also to create my passion. Could you imagine if my mother had not taken that fork in the road when it presented itself to her? "Cheers Mommy for your courage and vision!"

So let me pass this onto you:

1. Changes are good, the possibilities are endless.
2. Always keep an open mind when introduced to new ideas.
3. The window of opportunity comes in different messages and sizes.
4. Trust your inner voice, it is there for a reason.

← Back to Coast to Coast Articles