Life is a Journey Not a Destination
When I published the blog about quitting at the brink of success, someone commented that life is a journey not a destination. I thought I should revisit those words today.
The Futuristic Aspect of a Destination
A destination has some finality in its implications. It has a futuristic view. There is no room for the now in a destination. You better not stop or you will be late. It is the whole purpose of your journey. Anything else is a distraction. When you head for a destination nothing can or should stop you until you get there. In fact, you do everything to avoid distractions no matter how beautiful or beneficial they may seem.
The Panoramic Nature of a Journey
When life is a journey, we have a different mind set. Our focus is not on the future but on the now, because in most cases, we may not come back on the same trail. And talking about trails, there is no end to what you encounter on trails. I was on a trail today. I crossed a stream, saw many trees, passed people walking their dogs, saw a broken down fence on the ground, watched people playing lawn tennis, even had a dog jump on me, talked to the owner of the dog, saw the green grass grown, and even saw some beautiful flowers.
The journey is for the now
I was able to stand on the bridge watching the water flow under it. I looked for a convenient place to sit down and let my feet dip in the water. That was not possible today, but I am sure it is somewhere in the future if I go back on the trail and I am sure to go back. I want to enjoy the scenery. There is no hurry to rush off. I am on the journey of life. I may as well enjoy what comes along the journey.
No Turning Back When You Head for a Destination
In 2008, my husband boarded a plane bound for Washington D.C. He was traveling with our grand daughter who was five years old at the time. After flying for six hours they landed in Europe and boarded another flight for the USA. Four or five hours into the flight, the little girl could not take it any more. She said, "grandpa, can we just go back?"
Perspective Gives Meaning
Without a perspective of where they were in the air, it was impossible for her to realize that there was no turning back. At some point on the journey of life, all we can do is move forwardn, especially when you have a destination on your heart. We have come too far to turn back. We could stop, change planes, or plans if you want and continue. However, turning back is not an option. We have to keep moving forward.
The Dual Purpose of Self-Development
When you embark on the process of self-development, like enrolling on the online entrepreneur certification courses of Wealthy Affiliates, you are embarking on a journey. At the same time you have a destination. At some point, you have gone too far to turn back. However, while you are at it, you have all the support and encouragement you could ever wish for. One post gets some many reads and so many words of encouragement that you have no choice but to stick around and enjoy the community warmth. That is the journey. Enjoy all what you can on the journey. Make friends, socialize, and visit each other's sites and leave comments.
Reaching the Destination
Your destination is online success. The journey gets you to the destination. Do not forget to enjoy the journey. However, do not forget there is a destination to attain. No matter what happens, aim for the destination even as you enjoy the journey. If you do not give up, you will get there. My husband and our grand-daughter eventually got to Washington DC where her mom and I were waiting to recieve them. Until you have reached that destination, do not stop. Keep going and keep enjoying the process. There will be hills, valleys, streams to cross, and roses to smell. You will get there. You will succeed.
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Recent Comments
24
So many are tied up in the destination, they forget the journey. Life moves fast, if you don't stop to look around once in awhile, it will pass you by
I see realisation of reality is working well for you. Thank you for this post dear. Very thought provoking and at the same time refreshing.
I attach below a beautiful picture I just downloaded which I titled "Tears of a Beautiful Rose". Thought maybe you'll like it. God bless.....
Shirley
Very beautifully described and so true. If you don't sometimes stop and lean back for a bit, you risk missing out on something important or simply beautiful.
Interesting that you brought up the whole journey / destination / schedule issue, Esther. I enjoy sailing, and if you're on an extended trip, you have a choice when it comes to your journey. You can arrive at the destination of your choice at some time, or you can arrive at some destination at your scheduled time.
If you insist on arriving at your intended destination and at the scheduled time, you run the risk of doing something stupid, like trying to put miles behind you when the weather is deteriorating and you should be seeking a safe harbor.
The journeys tend to be long stretches of unimaginable beauty and tranquility, punctuated by the occasional adrenaline rush as fronts blow by. Ah the good times!
Dennis
I've toyed with the idea, but time doesn't permit just now. Life is tugging me in several directions, as it does most of us, and I can either enjoy a bit of time on the boat, or write about time on the boat - and the writing came in a distant second.
Having said that, I did put a wi-fi antenna on top of the mast to pick up signals 15 or 20 miles inland, and got an account that lets me log into McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. where ever I can find a signal - so perhaps blogging while on the water is in my future! :)
Dennis
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Thanks for the wonderful perspective. ..