How to Enjoy the Journey
You may never reach the destination. Here's how to find happiness along the way.
“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” — Michael Josephson
Enjoy the journey!
What exactly does that mean? The journey is often long and hard. Sacrifices are required. How are you supposed to enjoy such a journey?
First, remember you may never reach the destination.
People die unexpectedly. The destination often loses its luster. And what of a journey that lasts a lifetime? Must years tick by without joy?
Second, you don’t have to wait for happiness.
You are at your best when happy. Happiness motivates. Find it every day in small things, and you will know what it means to enjoy the journey.
Behold five areas where happiness can be found every day:
Gratitude: Start every day with thanks for what you have, for who loves you and for new opportunities. The future is not guaranteed. Be thankful for the time you have and the people you share it with.
People: Spend time with family. Share fun, positive experiences. Don’t just say “I love you.” Put it on full display and hold nothing back. Surround yourself with happy, talented, prolific creators who will support and inspire you.
Experiences: Material things make for a more comfortable life, but experiences make for a memorable one. Don’t wait until retirement. Sprinkle unforgettable experiences throughout your journey. Take the scenic route here and there.
Knowledge: Be intentional about the content you consume. What you read, watch and hear has a large impact on your mental state. Learn something new every day. Then apply what you learn every day.
Celebrations: Why wait to have one big celebration at the end? Even the smallest wins deserve celebration. It feels good and fuels your soul for the next step of the journey. Those positive vibes are contagious.
Don’t wait to celebrate a destination you may never reach. And don’t take for granted people who won’t always be there. There is plenty of happiness to be found along the way.
🤔 Food for Thought:
Are you focusing so hard on the destination that you forget the journey?
What are you doing each day to find happiness?
Are you learning something new every day?
⚙️ One Small Step:
Choose one of the five areas. Start doing one small thing each day in that area. Make note of how it feels... of how it affects your outlook on life.