Imagine yourself standing by a vast lake, transfixed by the sights and sounds of nature.

A bridge lies only a few metres away, a shortcut that will take you across the water to the other side.

Squinting against the glare of the sun, you notice the largest mulberry tree you’ve ever seen, full of ripe, juicy berries perfect for picking.

You have an empty basket in your hand, wanting nothing more than to run across the bridge and reach the tree as fast as you can. Your lips tingle with the anticipation of munching on those tasty berries; your stomach rumbles and aches with hunger.

Looking back to the well-worn path you’ve been travelling on, and down to your dusty boots that have taken you to this point, you ponder your next move.

Who knows what challenges you’ll face if you continue on the long path?

Taking the shortcut over the bridge means reaching your destination in no time at all, but what will you potentially miss if you leave the path now?

Munching on those berries without having fully explored what the trail has to offer will inevitably leave you feeling dissatisfied and without purpose or direction.

You won’t know which berries will satisfy you the most because you haven’t taken the time to fully investigate and play around with what they mean!

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Without walking the long path, you cannot discover which berries are good for eating and which will poison you. Shortcuts taken to reduce pain or to bring you comfort reduce your fatigue, but they simply get you to your grave quicker and you’ll be unable to really embrace the life you’re living.

The berries are the perfect snack for the well-travelled adventurer, and not someone who wants a quick fix.

Exploring everything The Mulberry Ring has to offer, fully immersing yourself in the experience, means that when you do eventually pick your berries, you are doing so with the knowledge they’ll provide you with lasting nourishment.

You’ll be able to make connections between the berries and your own personal habits that have developed over a lifetime.

Don’t be afraid to take your time navigating the unknown and unfamiliar.

It is only when you appreciate the journey that awaits you, that you’ll realise your potential and be able to travel towards success.