Your Destination Is Your Journey

Most people consciously or subconsciously have a dream destination. This destination may be a physical location like a favorite vacation spot or an achievement that they are working towards such as achieving a specific goal.

Our dreams and aspirations are valuable to our progress, but it is also important to make sure that long-term goals don't rob you of joy and satisfaction in the present moment.

That's why it's important to remember that your destination is your journey.

What exactly does that mean? It means that every single tiny step along your journey in life is the perfect destination for you in the present moment.

That's right! You've already arrived! Now embrace that thought process and keep celebrating your arrival every day!

Do you feel like you aren't very patient with life's processes, the people around you, or even yourself? Do you find yourself thinking you'll be happier when you get past this phase of your life?

All of these thoughts and feelings are signs that you have forgotten that your destination is your journey.

In contrast, when you have this realization deeply ingrained within you, it is easier to set aside worries and relax in your current situation.

When you believe that your destination is your journey, you give yourself permission to be happy with wherever you are right now.

That doesn't mean that you set all of your goals and dreams aside; it simply means that where you are right now is just as important of a step on your path as the ultimate step to your dream destination.

One time some friends and I decided to go on a scenic hike that would lead to a waterfall. When we arrived at the trailhead, a couple people who had been on the hike before recognized that it wasn't where they normally started the hike.

Since we were already there, we decided to do a little bit of exploring with hopes that one of the trails at this trailhead would connect us to the waterfall hike. We set off on a trail labeled the "Fantatsic Erratic."

It was one of those beautiful days when you breathe in the fresh air, and it's absolutely invigorating. The salmonberries were ripe, juicy, and delicious. The trees, ferns, and wild flowers flourishing around me were awe inspiring.

As we hiked, I wanted to preserve the magic of the moment and stopped several times to take pictures of my surroundings. In fact, all of the pictures in this article were taken while I was on this hike.

Eventually, the decision was made to take the loop trail back to the car and see if we could find the trail head that went to the waterfall.

After a few failed attempts at finding the correct trail head, we gave up on the waterfall trail, and the discussion in the car turned to the fact that it was a bit disappointing to have set out to see a waterfall and never made it there.

Someone in the car mentioned that "it's about the journey anyway." and I quickly agreed, but it was obvious that not everyone was satisfied with the journey. There was still a definite sense of disappointment for our lack of achieving the goal we set out to achieve.

I'm not saying that I was the only one who enjoyed our hike on the loop trail, but I did get the feeling that I was able to gain more satisfaction from it, because I had approached it with the belief that my destination is the journey.

I enjoyed the magical beauty of each step rather than waiting for a waterfall to wow me.

We all experience moments in life that are less than pleasant, but when we adopt the idea that our destination is the journey, we can find satisfaction in these moments just as much as we do in those shining moments of great achievement.

It turns out that in the grand scheme of things, often the moments of our lives that seem insignificant, frustrating, or even painful can be just as important as those moments that others view as grand landmarks.

Live in the moment. Trust that this moment holds everything that you need right now. Relax knowing that this moment is taking you to the next experience that you need to have.

Strive to be the best version of you that you can be in the future, but also recognize that based on your past circumstances, right now you are the best you that you can be in this moment.

Your destination is your journey! Celebrate each step along the way!