Life is a Journey, not a Race
Peyton Hoge on top of Mt. Rainier
In school we are taught that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Even when running marathons you learn about running tangents, running from one curve in the road to the next using the shortest possible line. Mathematically those are accurate strategies, however, it doesn’t necessarily apply in life. When we design our life plan, we presume we should take the straight path toward our dreams. But in reality, it is the meandering path leading to the destination which will be the most meaningful. Why? Because that journey will be filled with interesting, unfamiliar experiences as well as surprises along the way. Don’t become too focused on the getting there as fast as you can just to check off a completed goal. Instead, take time to recognize the small steps as well as the big ones. Enjoy the missteps and failures. Stop and celebrate moving the flag toward your dreams.
Celebrations can boost happiness because we are showing gratitude for the milestones in life. In our family, we talk about moving the flag to reflect those accomplishments. In fact, to make the point clear, we use our family flag as the symbol to show how and when we moved that flag, literally. We place a mental bookmark on the experience to remember for the future. They become triggers to fondly reflect on the event.
According to Project Happiness, celebrating instills a sense of meaning and significance to our lives. Think back on family rituals such as the birth of a child, graduation or a wedding celebration. One of our birthday rituals included sitting in the “kings” chair to blow out candles to make a wish. Attending a wedding of a friend, they used a sword to cut their cake which was passed from one generation to the next. If you currently don’t have a family ritual, it might be time to mark an occasion with a new one.
Celebrations create lasting memories which enriches us. We began a family 4th of July event a few years ago at Belle-Hampton farm. My husband’s side of the family came together to learn some family history, but mostly to re-connect and enjoy time together. Captured in a photo was my mother-in-law and my husband riding in our gator around the farm which she thoroughly enjoyed. Now that she has passed away, the photo is a treasured memory.
Deepening the bond, celebrations connect us with those we love. Even though we might not think of a funeral as happy occasion, it does bring family and friends together to celebrate a life well lived. It was a year ago, just before Thanksgiving, that my mother-in-law suddenly passed away. The unexpected turn of events brought us together on a deeper, more profound level. Life needs to be celebrated as well as acknowledged in death.
But celebrations can also add fun and excitement to our lives. Who doesn’t like music, dance, games and laughter? To indulge ourselves like children and just have fun. Any occasion can be an excuse to enjoy and relax. Starting a new day with the attitude of being grateful just to be alive. Make up a holiday if you must. My sisters and I did. We nominated July 2 as Sister’s Day in the Szostak family although the first Sunday in August is when the rest of the world celebrates it.
So while you are implementing your life plan, make sure you are marking the milestones along the way. Enjoy veering off the straight path of your goal by commemorating the fact that you are still moving the flag forward. Hoist the flag up the flag pole and rejoice in life’s continuous journey, not as the end of the race. How will you celebrate your next milestone?
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