I was walking in a quaint town in the Hudson Valley in New York when I came upon this entrance. The stonewall and wild flowers reminded me of Ireland. Despite the scene portraying a wall, locked gate, and a fence, this entrance appears inviting. Even the hedges are waving a welcoming hello with their branches. I want to ascend the stairs and meet the residents. I'd like to explore their garden and have a chat over a cup of tea.
We encounter many doors throughout our lives. Some we dare to enter, while others we choose not to open. Every door we explore in life is symbolic of a portal or pathway to the unknown. It takes courage to open these symbolic blocks to potential progress and opportunity.
Now I'm not saying I'm going to trespass on this private property. I'm simply admiring the beauty of the well designed entrance. But in my observation of these walls and gates, I'm reminded of the symbolism of doors as pathways to possibility.
Have you ever had a dream about a door? Was it locked or open? Did you go through it to see what was on the other side? Our subconscious sometimes tests us with such invitations.
Some people move about the world with an open door mentality. They view everything in life as accessible and without restriction. Every conversation, chance meeting, or experience is an opportunity towards a new path. On the other hand, there are folks who only see walls and locked gates even if there is a welcome sign posted, or an invitation to take part in some activity, relationship, or new job. Those who are considered "successful" are the people who were willing to take risks to unlock their potential.
It takes imagination and bravery to see doors as portals to new adventures because many of us fear the unknown. But we will never know what could be if we never take the chance to see what's on the other side.