Making The Journey Count
Making The Journey Count
Lately, I’ve been getting to do more of what I love — sing for choirs, play badminton, jive, socialize, be a leader, and add value. Doing more of what I love makes me happy.
Being in action has helped me with progress, however small. Showing up for the things I love doing has given me the courage and strength to power through challenging days. And of course, nothing better than ending each day by practicing gratitude.
Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, on life:
"When you are a young person, you are like a young creek, and you meet many rocks, many obstacles and difficulties on your way. You hurry to get past these obstacles and get to the ocean. But as the creek moves down through the fields, it becomes larger and calmer and it can enjoy the reflection of the sky. It's wonderful. You will arrive at the sea anyway so enjoy the journey. Enjoy the sunshine, the sunset, the moon, the birds, the trees, and the many beauties along the way. Taste every moment of your daily life."
The meaning of life for me is to enjoy it, and there’s no enjoyment if one is not in the ‘here and now’. I know that I will reach the ocean eventually — have an abundance of health and happiness — but I wish to enjoy building myself up to get there.
The habits that continue to help me build myself up are many. But a few have made the most difference —
Sweating it out either through exercise, dance, or a sport.
Being grateful.
Journaling at the end of the day gives me clarity and comfort.
I’m starting to see the positive difference a prayer in the morning can make in my life.
We can create the life we want for ourselves, provided we continue to put in the work, day in, day out. Destroying something or bringing it down is easy, but it’s the building that takes time and effort. Hence, we need to watch our every step. Every action we engage in is a vote for the identity we want to create for ourselves.
While we continue to build ourselves up, let us help others do so as well.