Dead Ends

It was years ago but in New York a guy died at his desk.  He was discovered three days after the event.  Maybe that could be called the ultimate dead-end job.
A couple of years ago Merril and her family visited the exhibition.  Things had changed.  They wanted to get out.  They followed a path they thought would enable them to do so.  It was a dead end.  They needed to retrace their steps.
I really do not like dead ends.  When I am in the car and I see a “no through road” sign, I know going that way will not get me to any other destination except what is down that road.  If that is not where I am going, I avoid it.  I find the best thing about dead ends is as Naomi Judd said, “A dead end street is a good place to turn around.”
We live in a cul-de-sac.  That just seems to be a fancy way of saying dead-end street.  It does have its advantages though.  It is quiet as no one goes there unless that is where they want to go, and we have a wide turning circle at the end. 
It does not need for it to be a dead-end street for it to happen, but our neighbour left the hand break of their car off.  The car careered backwards and across the road and into the garden there.  The only damage ended up being a sleeper which they are paying for.  Relatives of ours pulled up just short of what unfolded.  Things could have been so much worse.  I must admit I high tail it past that driveway these days.
It seems to me there are dead ends everywhere.  “Showstoppers.”  I do not like coming across them, but they are out there.  My plan can be going great guns but then I realize there is something that will cause me to pack my bags and go home. 
Showstoppers are more than inconvenient obstacles; they are end of story things.  Obstacles are everywhere.  I really need to be careful I do not use them as an excuse to stop.  Where I am going matters more than what I am going through.  I definitely prefer smooth sailing, and I am thankful it happens, but to expect it all the time is no more than wishful thinking.  Besides, I cannot think of anything worthwhile that has been achieved without opposition.
I reckon comparing myself with others is a dead-end.  There is no doubt I am in a race, but my chief opposition is me.  I really agree with what Rachel Simmons said, “Sometimes comparing can be a good thing: it can inspire us to work harder and reach farther. But for the most part, excessive measuring yourself up against others - especially when it becomes a way to put yourself down - is a colossal waste of time. It's a dead end. It won't make you do anything except feel horrible.”
I probably say it so often as I think it, I am responsible for myself.  Others can inspire, or teach me lessons, but they cannot walk in my shoes.   That’s my job, and I will always try to avoid dead ends and get where I am going.  But even in a worst-case scenario I agree with Robert Schuller when he says, “…you can go anywhere from nowhere.”