Life . . . A Journey, Not A Destination June 15, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.comments closed
The joy of writing, for me, and countless other writers, lies in the act of creation . . . in the day-to-day action of writing:
*the click-clack of keys on the keyboard
*the exchange of ideas with others
*the race to get thoughts recorded before they “evaporate into the ether”
* the polishing and honing required to convey our words with clarity
In contrast, the destination of print publication, for me at least, adds little to the equation ~ it’s a bit of an empty victory, coming as it does so long after we crafted the creations in question.
I often suspected that seeing my name in print would be nothing more than a momentary happiness booster.
My suspicions were correct. This past year, I added three anthologies to my bookcase which include a few of my musings on life, partnered with my name in print.
On receipt of each, I glanced over the printed words to ensure accurate type-setting, nodded upon seeing that my name had been spelled correctly, found a place for the volume on my bookcase, and quickly turned my attention back to the real joy of writing . . . immersing myself in the play of words on the computer screen.
Others have described a similar experience ~ looking forward to seeing their books appear in print, with their names on the cover, only to find the pleasure ephemeral and fleeting.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
The joy of life is found in the act and art of creation, the day-to-day pleasures and experiences, and the journey of adventure and discovery.
When we convince ourselves that reaching a set destination (be it publication, fame, or fortune) is a pre-requisite to our happiness, we are apt to be disappointed ~ since the rewards we envision, if they materialize at all, often feel less like rewards and more like dead ends.
Happiness is not waiting for us at the end of the road . . . it’s found here and now, by enjoying each step along the way!
Related posts: Pursue Distractions * Progress, Not Perfection * The Script for Scripps * Going To The Living Green Expo * Existential Angst * A Writer’s Life For Me * Five Easy (Albeit Practically Useless) Tips * Austen & Dickens Had It Easy * Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Spirit Lights The Way 