I wonder what’s around the bend…

It’s difficult to say goodbye. A permanent goodbye is the toughest, but even temporary goodbyes are rough. That’s why we find ourselves saying, “See ya later.” “Talk to you again soon.” “Until next time.” “Take care.” There’s a pull to continue the connection and conversation, but we realize we have other things we need to do. Our relationships may be one of the most important things we have in life. But even with that truth, relationship-building can never be a 24-7 activity. We’re individuals. And individuals have work to do, families to care for, obligations to meet, goals to achieve, and yes—dreams to dream.

We must move on.

I started the “Moving the Conversation Along” blog in 2015. While working full-time as a small business owner, the goal was to find time to write about politics, religion, or culture on a monthly basis. And to do it for 10 years. The long-term goal was reached this year. Amazing how fast a decade can fly by.

This hobby of researching, contemplating, writing, and publishing opinion pieces on a variety of topics has been one of my most meaningful accomplishments. I hope you’ve enjoyed these blogs, learned something new, or at least reached a greater understanding from a different viewpoint and angle. I can’t possibly thank you enough for your readership. It’s truly appreciated.

It’s time, though, to dream a new dream. And so, this is not another opinion piece. It’s signing off. It’s saying goodbye.

The blog site will remain open for now. With 120 topics tagged, traffic still moves in and out of  “Moving the Conversation Along,” from other writers gathering information or simply individuals wanting to learn more about an issue. However, no new blogs are planned at this time.

Several decades ago, there was a television show called “On the Road with Charles Kuralt.” Kuralt toured rural America. Traveling in a motorhome, he got off the interstate and meandered down unknown two-lane roads to meet and interview ordinary Americans who were doing something unique. Or traditional. Or entrepreneurial. Or courageous, even if in an un-famous way.

Kuralt taught us that we all have something to contribute and those combined, individual efforts were what made this country great. After wrapping each show and saying goodbye to his small-town host, he’d get back in his motorhome in search of another quintessential American. With the road curving in front of him, he’d sign off with his signature, “I wonder what’s around the bend.”

I continue to be delighted by words—both spoken and written. It would be impossible for me to live a life, even in retirement, without exploring new ways to create using the power of words. I’m ready for a new adventure with the art of communication.  And it’s now just up ahead.

I wonder what’s around the bend.