Day 999 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Wednesday – 7/29/20
As I approach 1000 days
As I approach 1000 days in the Finding Joy in the Journey, I have been reflecting over some of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey. We live in a culture that defines success as more, more and even more. More money, more responsibility, a bigger title, a bigger house, more toys and more stuff. Though when more, more and more is the goal – is it ever enough?
For much of my life, I believed this was what success was all about and I found myself unhappy and unfulfilled as no victory and no win were ever enough.
During this journey, I have learned to let go of our culture’s definition of success and I define my own. I’ve learned to define what is enough for me and realize how I connect, contribute, live and feel are more important for me than the next shiny object.
I still struggle with this on days as our culture’s definition of success runs deep in my veins. Though when I can let go and truly live my life on my terms – I find happiness and joy. The happiness and joy that I believe we are all meant to find and live.
About “Finding Joy”
And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…
It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip. Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core. I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life. And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents.
I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life. My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others.
Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis. It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.
