Walking along an unfamiliar path Hercules came upon a fork in the road. He sat down to contemplate his future when suddenly he was approached by two mysterious goddesses.  

One was adorned in jewelry that glittered in the sun. She claimed her friends called her Eudaemonia which means happiness or being in a good spirit. In reality, her name was Kakia, which actually means Vice. Cutting in front of the other goddess she promised Hercules a life of ease, pleasure, and happiness absent of any hardship. A shortcut to gratification.

The other goddess approached introducing herself as Arete- the Greek word for virtue or excellence. Arete was beautiful yet modest. She cautioned Hercules that her path was a long and difficult one requiring hard work. Simply put, he would suffer hardship and persecution. Yet this was the path he chose. Along the way, he repeatedly had to exercise wisdom, moderation, and self-control. Subsequently, through opportunity, practice, and application Hercules developed the characteristics of virtue, strength, moderation, and courage. 

So what kind of man would have Hercules turned into if he had chosen the first and easiest path? What would his character be without his 12 labors? With that in mind consider your daily choices.  Each day we face the choice of taking a shortcut or committing to the more difficult path. We can take the shortcut to instant gratification and temporary happiness or the road that ensures hard work, setbacks, struggle, and in the end true and lasting rewards. Rewards such as a job well done along with confidence, resilience, empathy, and bravery.

Each evening look back upon your day and the crossroads you approached. Which path did you choose? What was the end result? Were the benefits lasting and worthwhile? 

The analogy of Hercules at the crossroads serves as a lesson to be mindful of our choices. To embrace the cost of a life well-lived. Which path will you take?