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“It makes no difference how many peaks you reach if there was no pleasure in the climb.”
—Oprah
We’ve heard this expressed many ways. Some say stop and smell and roses or the best part of the journey is what you see along the way. But why are these things true?
1. By observing the things along the way we appreciate the destination so much more. Have you ever heard someone recount the fun they had camping, for example? The best part is their account of getting lost, finding their way, choosing the best resting spot or encountering critters who decided to enjoy the campsite as well. If you don’t enjoy the things that lead up to your destination, you’re likely to be singing “Is that all there is?” because you missed the juicy part.
2. By feeling the exhiliration of a journey, our joy at the end is intensified. When I was returning from visiting my oldest daughter I had planned to read a book on my flight. It was a great book, but because I chose a window seat I decided to enjoy the view instead. When we left San Jose the sky was overcast, but as soon as the plane reached its altitude we were floating on meringue clouds. I was in awe thinking about what an amazing creation our planet is with its many features depending on the perspective from which you view it. Wow!
Later as I waited for my luggage at the turnstile, I felt so peaceful and thankful to have absorbed nature’s beauty.
3. By observing and making note of our activities along the way, we build skills for future events and journeys. Take going to school, for example. The classes that challenge you to stretch your mind and learn new techniques are the ones that best prepare you for not only future classes, but other life tasks and challenges as well.
Each time I must stretch my abilities to learn how to master even a small task with my websites and blogs, for example, I’m better prepared for the next challenge. While I sometimes get frustrated and even break into tears over garbled code that stands between me and a new blog theme, I have learnedthat I won’t die from it. Once when moving to a new host, I lost a blog with years of rich content. (That felt like a death for a few minutes.) I lived to meet another challenge and accepted it as a part of the process.
What about you? Have you tried one of these ways to cnjoy your climb and your trip to your goal? Tell us about how you overcame a fear or met a challenge.
My greatest lesson in enjoying the journey came as a result of missing out on a lot of the joys in my experience as a mother. I was young, alone, and poor. My focus was on struggle, pushing, and how hard the world was. And, all the while, my sweet little boy was right there, ready to be my bridge to happiness.
I was present for some things and had profound moments of joy, but I am also aware that I was so focused on my story of having to fight to survive that I missed many precious moments. The source of my happiness was always there, available to me 24/7, and he was adorable.
That little boy is now in his forties and a father of three. I have been so grateful for this new opportunity with grandchildren. I get it now. And, there are occasional moments when I am being fully present and loving with my grandchildren, that I see my son watching and smiling. He doesn’t feel like we missed the journey at all.
Linda,
What a wonderful gift you have and are giving your son and grandchildren. I love your phrase “bridge to happiness.” We all can do that and be that for ourselves if only we knew.
Thank you for sharing your poignant experience. Congratulations and blessings for awakening to your own power and learning to enjoy the present.