“It’s in the journey, not the destination.”
Most have heard this saying before. It might even be considered a bit cliché, but have you ever really thought about the meaning behind this famous yet anonymous saying?
In short, it means to
slow down and smell the roses.
I know, another cliché.
I promise you that I don’t normally write in a constant stream of clichés. However, this concept is so abstract that it’s important to start off on solid ground.
If you have been following me from the beginning, you will notice that I have made a lot of changes to this blog. What originally started off as a travel blog has now expanded into something more. In considering the purpose of this blog, of this journey, I have realized that
not only should the faraway journeys be pondered, but the everyday ones.
Let’s face it: life is a lot of the same. We go through the motions of everyday life: working for the weekend, planning for retirement, looking forward to vacation, hoping our kids will “get out of this phase” soon.
Then, before we know it, we’re ten years older, unaware of how we got there, and wishing we could go back.
Ohh yeah, I definitely have had more than one of those moments.
I am not writing this blog as a Mindfulness Expert by any means. Just like others who have come to this conclusion about the ironies of life, I’m simply trying to smell the roses. This is me, trying, and inviting you along for the ride.
I will still write some travel blogs because I am a true believer that,
“Travel expands the mind and fills the gap.”
-Sheda Savage
Travel is one tool we can use to slow down and take in the world around us, but it is not the only way to do so.
In all, this is in some ways a social experiment. We all think about the big WHYs; however, these topics just simply don’t come up naturally in conversation.
“Yeah, I saw the Hawks game. So, what do you think is the meaning of life?”
As a teacher, these topics do in fact pop up naturally. Students ask me Questions (yes, capital-Q Questions) all the time expecting black and white answers. It’s amazing to see the look in their eyes when instead of answering, I pose another question that opens up a new door.
That’s what I want to do here, but on a larger level.
This is a safe space to analyze, ponder, pontificate, philosophize, and the like. There are no judgements here. I encourage an open and respectful exchange of ideas. You do not have to agree with me anyone else, but we can all be humane.
By the way…
Isn’t it interesting how the word “human” is in the word “humane,” yet often humans are inhumane towards one another?
So…
If you want to consider the big WHYS of life, this blog is for you.
If you want to explore human nature at its finest and faultiest, this blog is for you.
If you want to consider the past, glance at the future, and most importantly, dive into the present,
this blog is for you.
You know, it’s called the present for a reason. Each moment is a gift.
Cliché, I know. Just go with it.
Enjoy the journey,
J. Lynne
