The Journey is Its Own Reward

Today's thought begins with a quote from the great American author Ursula K. Le Guin.

She wrote:
"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."

Another week of wondering and wandering as we humans are prone to do. We can, at times, go about our business in a most mechanical way. We live our lives "filling our roles" and " doing our jobs" in the
manner we believe is expected of us. It is easy to fall into the routine and lose touch with our core aspirations.

Secretly, we wonder if we are on the right track. We question if we are doing what we really want and, in our most sober moments, ponder if it matters at all. Today's quote reminds us and encourages us that it is not the shining city on the hill for which we strive that makes it all worth it, but rather the flowers, and yes, even the shards of glass along the road.

Goals are a wonderful thing and necessary for us to progress from one station to the next in life. Reaching for the shining city on the hill is part of being human. However, we can become fixated on the destination and the boons our arrival will bestow.

Leguin's words remind us that it is what we invest into the journey and what the journey gives us in return that are of ultimate importance. If we can take to heart the wisdom of cherishing every experience along the way, our lives can be richer right here and right now as we chase our dreams.

When, some day, we reach our goal; we might look back and see the shining city we imagined at the beginning of our journey was merely reflecting the light from the path we followed to reach it.

Ray
The Affirmation Spot