It’s the Journey, Not the Destination
Do you have a particular creative goal? A destination you want to reach?
Are you enjoying every step along the journey?
You might appreciate this:
Last Friday I took the ‘day off’ and went to Martha’s Vineyard. My goal - my ultimate intention - was to reach a beach at Gay Head (Aquinnah) where colorful cliffs loom over the sea.
That was my goal for the day; get to that beach.
But I noticed something along the way: every step getting there - and back - was exciting, even if it was ‘boring’.
For example:
1. Buying a ticket to get on the ferry was kind of exciting. So was waiting for the ferry to arrive (I sketched people).
2. Being on the ferry itself, with all the excited people, was kind of exciting.
3. Cruising out of the harbor (starting the journey) was exciting. So was noticing the names of boats we passed (which gave me an idea for a future post).
4. Arriving at Martha’s Vineyard - exciting.
5. Finding the restaurant my friend told me about - the one that served great fish tacos - exciting.
6. Catching the shuttle bus to Edgartown was exciting (we passed a beach where they filmed Jaws).
7. Seeing my book on a shelf at the Edgartown bookstore was exciting.
8. Arriving at my destination - Aquinnah - was exciting.
9. Walking the mile-long path to get to the beach was exciting. The path cuts through grassy dunes and bushes filled with flowers and butterflies. (You can hear the ocean…anticipation builds.)
10. Finally, reaching the beach itself. Awesome!
But wait - the journey doesn’t end there!
11. Leaving the beach, the old bus driver told me his life story. Like how he almost died - should have died - 3 times in his life, but didn’t. He once drowned. He got shot in the heart! He survived a terminal cancer diagnosis…
He said God must have a reason for keeping him around - maybe so he can help others in some small way - give them strength, or comfort, or help them appreciate life in general, the way he does.
I tipped him five bucks, but his stories were worth the whole trip.
Granted, a day on Martha’s Vineyard doesn’t give a man a lot to complain about. Life is filled with challenge and hardship in many places around the world. I guess my point is, sometimes we get so fixated on getting our prize that we dismiss the amazing things that happen along the way.
It’s about the journey, not the destination, as they say. I thought of how true this was as the ferry carried this lucky boy away from the Vineyard, with the orange sun setting on the water.
What a beautiful ride.
Your thoughts? Leave a comment.
Very touching and inspirational.i surely enjoyed the read and was moved by it,it was even poetic.it says we should not neglect the days of little beginnings , even when it seems that small things along the way are meaningless to the magnitude of the destination we are going to.Morover, little drops of water sure makes a mighty ocean….
Hi Yettie - welcome to the cafe! Thanks for the kind words about the post. I’m glad you appreciated it. I like your message about the drops of water…Come back anytime!
I am on the same boat with you (In thin case I really wish I was!). Life is about the journey. Sometimes we forget all about the experiences on the journey. When you slow down you get to find the wild strawberries, luck one off and plop it in your mouth. How sweet!
Sometimes the joy is in the detour!
Hi Mark,
That must have been so exciting to see your book on the shelf.
I also like to people watch. I often wonder what their story is.
This post is a great reminder for us to learn to s-l-o-w down.
My big brother drove the tour bus on the Vineyard during his summers at college. And I went to BC - and had several days just like the one you described here (minus seeing my book on the shelf in a store!). So, you brought tears to my eyes. I LOVE being on that ferry.
and your bigger message here is one that my husband and I were talking about on the deck this morning. I was describing “event-mindedness.” As I launch a new project in my creative life - I realize it’s so easy to want it to be an event, not a process. The journey is the fun part, indeed!
Good 1 =)
Hi Laurie - Thanks! Can I elaborate on your zen story about the strawberry?: About a man being chased…about to be killed by a band of thugs…his only choice is to climb over the edge of a cliff. So he hangs there by a vine. If he climbs back up he’ll be killed. If he lets go, he’ll plummet. He sees a strawberry on the vine, plucks it, eats it, “How sweet” he says…
Hi Barbara - Have you ever sat in your idling car waiting for a flock of geese or a turtle to walk across the street? Happened to me today. Slows everyone down to a grinding halt of wonder.
Christine - I’m so glad you could relive those Vineyard days through my post. I’m touched that it brought a wee tear to your eye! Do you know Carly Simon’s song, “Never Been Gone”? It’s about taking the ferry back to the island. Gorgeous. Anyway - I saw you have a new venture and look forward to exploring what you’re up to!
CJ- You’re okay!