Jul
15
The Journey
Filed Under Uncategorized
My current journey I’m on is like going on a hike. I packed my gear, I have my supplies and I set off on this journey into the unknown. I have an idea of what I’ll see, what I’ll encounter. I set off, full of excitement and optimism. Of course, I’m not alone (it’s bad to go hiking alone – anything can happen). But I don’t have the map, nor the navigational tools. After awhile, the honeymoon phase is over. The sun beats down on me and my muscles begin to ache for lack of endurance and I start to feel the weight of my pack. I wonder if I’m on the right trail. I even suggest going a different way. But my guide insists this is the correct path. I just need patience. The scenery begins to look the same, other times, I’m so focused on the trail so I don’t stumble and I miss the scenery. I want the journey to be over, but my guide is dilly dallying, pointing out different flowers, trees, the bugs even. Soon, I begin to see what he sees. I’m able to differentiate one plant from another. The scenery is vastly different. I don’t realize it, but I’ve slowed down. I take in everything. I notice the leaf cutter ants busily working their way across the path, the butterfly as it flutters from one flower to the next, the rocks themselves are as unique as fingerprints. My guide then tells me I’ve only got a couple more miles to the end of the trail. I don’t understand, but I’m sad. I started out on this journey, hoping to get to the end as quickly as possible. Now that it’s almost here, I don’t want it to end. I’ve forgotten the destination and I’ve so enjoyed the journey that I want it to continue. I want to stay here. But my guide keeps walking. My water is running low, so I know that I, too, must continue. But I continue with a different attitude. I look at every beetle as if it’ll be the last I’ll see. I take in the view and take a mental picture because I never want to forget this moment – this instant. But my guide keeps moving and I must follow. I begin to think about the destination again. I remember the initial excitement when I started this journey. I remember why I started the journey in the first place. My sadness is replaced with anticipation, yet my focus is neither ahead nor behind. It’s around. I keep walking forward, but I’m savoring where I am.