Have you ever been so focused on a destination that you forget to enjoy the journey? Well, you’re in the right place, my friend. Keep reading for some honest inspiration about enjoying the journey.
I grew up thinking my parents knew it all. Now that I’m a parent myself, I know that’s not true. No one knows it all. We live. We learn. We grow. Then we live, learn and grow some more.
Not long after my son’s fourth birthday he asked me, “How many sleeps until I turn a whole hand?”. That’s his way of saying 5. I reaplied, “You have over 300 sleeps to go bud!”. A couple days later he asked the same question. Then a couple days later, the same question. Not interested in counting down for the next 300 days, I decided it was time we have a chat.
We talked about how birthdays are just one day – one very special day. I explained that although it is important and super fun to celebrate our birthdays there are a lot of days in between. And instead of counting down the days ’till our next birthday, we have the opportunity to make the best of the days in between. I encouraged him to take his focus off the destination and put it on the journey.
After all… life is about the journey, not the destination.
Have you ever been so focused on a destination that you forget to enjoy the journey? Take a moment and look at your life. Has there ever been a time where you were so focused on a goal, a date, a relationship, a career that you forgot to slow down and enjoy the process?
How many of you think that once you become an adult you’ve reached your destination? I used to think so too. You grow up, get married, start a family and settle into a ‘good’ job (insert eye roll here). The truth is – if you view adulthood as your destination, welcome to your dead end.
Why do so many of us stop living when we become adults? We stop doing the things we once enjoyed. We stop making time for what truly makes us happy. We focus on climbing the corporate ladder. We focus on what others have that we don’t. Heck, often we are just going through the motions.
Why do we complain about turning a year older? It’s a privilege that is denied to so many. It’s a privilege to be turning a year older. A privilege that we have the opportunity to celebrate, so stop complaining.
Why do we think 30, 40, 50, 60 is old? All that’s guaranteed is today. But 50 – that may only be your halftime show. Think about that. Half. Time. There’s a possibility you may live for another 50 years. So stop acting like your life is over at a certain age and live it.
Why are so many of us dwelling on the past while living in the future? Wake up! You’re missing out on the present. You’re missing out on the journey. Wherever your feet are, allow your mind to be there too. If you’re at work, be present in your meeting and stop wondering if your kids are okay. If you’re at home, be present with your kids and stop thinking about your upcoming deadline.
Many of us will reach similar destinations in life. But, the journey – that’s unique to each of us. It’s the journey that makes us who you are.
My journey this last year has been one of immense growth. It’s been an inner journey that has me looking back on who I was a year ago and barely recognizing that version of myself. It’s been an inner journey that has a direct impact on my outward journey and my destination(s) – whatever they may be. The best part about focusing on the journey is you are able to remain present, live intentionally, grow and evolve, which makes the destination(s) a pit stop along the way. Not a final destination, but a place where you can take a pause, look back at how far you’ve come, and continue on the journey.
I like to read, so let’s use a book as an example. Each book has a beginning, multiple chapters and an end – those are the destinations of our life. Every word, every page – that’s what makes up the story. And, that story becomes the journey.
Are you writing a great story?
If not, good news… you’re in control.
You hold the pen. You control the keys on the keyboard.
Take control & write your dang story.
