“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
Have you ever accomplished a goal, got excited for a moment and then wondered what was next? It’s so easy to be so forward focused that we miss the beauty of the journey. The process is what prepares you to become the person who can reach the goal, yet it’s often times the most dreaded and frustrating part of the journey. What would happen if we took time to really enjoy where we currently are? How different would things be if we took time to learn and get excited about what the process is trying to teach us? What would happen if we recognized the beauty of the progress we’ve already made and reflected on the fact that we are not where we use to be?
The journey should be enjoyed. Think about all the things you are learning in this current season. Learning new things and gaining knowledge makes life more exciting. When you take time to be present and really apply the things you are learning it adds a freshness to life. I remember when I first started college, life was so exciting because I often talked about and dreamed of going to college and now I was actually living that dream. Getting up in the morning and going to campus, learning, meeting new friends, going to football games was all so exciting to me. The process and all the hard work of going through college wasn’t easy, but I took time to really enjoy the process and it was so rewarding, until my last year of college.
During my last year all I really thought about was graduating college. Most of the days it was so hard for me to focus and really be present in the moment because the excitement of just being done is what drove me. When I finally finished it was so exciting and rewarding and the best feeling ever. Now that I am older I often look back and wish I would have enjoyed my last year a little more. I wish I would have attended more of the events and football games, and just really engage with other people. I wished I would have lived in the moment and enjoyed more of my college life and experience. My passion in the beginning when I started was not the same towards the end.
What that part of my journey has taught me is the importance of enjoying the process and the journey. We won’t always be in the same place and have the amount of time and freedom on our hands, so it’s important to be present and enjoy the moments that are right before you. Think about the things you are currently enjoying about this season. What is something that you are currently learning in this season of your life? What can you do to add a little more excitement to where you are?
Theses are some tips I have learned about what we can do to help us enjoy the journey:
1.) Reflect Often
The fact that you are not where you use to be should excite you. Taking time to reflect on where you are helps you to realize the beauty of what is right in front of you. Reflection give you insight of the moment and season.
2.) Focus on the things you are currently learning
Learning new things makes life exciting. When you focus on the things you are learning it helps you to process where you are and be present in how your life is changing.
3.) Apply what you are learning
When we take time to apply the lessons that we are learning it helps us to be engaged in the process. It takes work on our part. Change is not always easy but if we learn to think differently about change and be open to what new things change can add to our lives, we will then be able to better enjoy the process.
The journey to reaching your dreams is a process that should be enjoyed. Although some moments maybe hard just taking the time to be thankful for how far you’ve come can make a difference in helping you continue to move forward. Don’t give up on who you are becoming and where you are in the process. Great things take time, so enjoy the moment. Remember how far you’ve come and have faith for the great things that are ahead. Thanks for reading.
What is something that you are currently enjoying about your journey? Comment below, I would love to hear your story.
Intentional Hope 