Have Joy In the Process...

“I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” Unknown

Wow, to me that quote is so profound. Last week I spoke about the journey and not knowing where the journey is actually taking me. Today, I want to appreciate the process. I remind myself that the destination in life is death, and I have never met anyone who was in a rush to meet the inevitable. However, it is extremely easy to get caught up with our desire for accomplishments and achievements.

Just yesterday I had a conversation with a friend about how an acorn has everything in it that it needs to become a tree. The seed as tiny as it is, has a knowing that is destine to become hundreds of feet tall one day. Unlike people there is never a time when the tiny little acorn says, “I don’t know, I may not have it in me.” The acorn without a doubt, once it is planted in the right place, will become a tree.

You and I are just like the acorn. We have all that we need to become our divine self. Being great is not set aside for just a few good people, but rather for all who believe in the possibility. Yet, it is important to know that nothing becomes what it desires to be without a process. Even the tiny acorn has to go through something to become a magnificent oak tree. We must have the right environment, just like the seed needs the right soil. It is imperative that we are feeding ourselves encouragement, just as is necessary for the acorn to receive water and nutrients. There are always going to be trying times that try our strength, and so it is important that we find support in others who believe in our dreams, as the acorn finds strength in other trees to cover them in a storm.

The process is sometimes difficult and it may require that we climb a ridged incline, but the process is not what we should be concerned about. We must stay in good faith that we have all that we need to be successful. We may need to gather tools, food, and friends to assist us in the process, but know that this is a wonderful time to rejoice. Find enjoyment in the process as you become all that you are to be. Look around you and see the beauty in life. Wake up ready to win, and look for the support in life. Watch the birds, squirrels, and trees as they dance and rejoice for the opportunity to live. There is something about the steps that we take to get to the top of the mountain that says so much about who we are. The arrival is just the reward for doing the work it takes to move forward with your dreams.

Today, I am thankful for the difficult moments that come and teach me why I should be happy, in love, and excited. I change my thoughts about my hardships and start to see them as God’s way of teaching me something else about myself. I find the strength in my climb and realize that where I once had doubt I have encouragement. I know that sometimes the process can seem unbearable, but I am so proud to know that I am growing. Just like the acorn, I am realizing my true self, and resiliently stepping into whom I already am….divine.

On This Journey

Wait for the opportune moment, oh my heart.
Everything happens in its own time.
The gardener may flood the orchard with water,
But the trees don’t bear fruit out of season.
Barbara De Angelis

This is a very interesting time for me. I am preparing for yet another step in this journey we call life. There are many questions before me. Where I once knew the answers I find that I am redefining all that I know. In less than one month I will be on my way to Korea. The funny thing is I never in all my dreams thought of traveling there although I have always known it existed.

Life is so interesting! I have been many places, and for most people looking at my life it would seem as if I am apprehensive about nothing. However, that is so far from the truth. I have many fears, but more importantly, so many dreams that I wish I had the courage to give permission to flourish. Some days I often wonder if they will, but deep inside there is a knowing that everything I have dreamt will come as it is meant to come. I trust that my dreams have a time that has no regard for the hours or minutes we are so accustom to monitoring. They will become reality in do time, without my assistance, and when I am the most prepared.

I will admit, most of my life I wanted to be in control of how things developed, and what I found was that even in the most controlled moments I was never in control at all. I believe that there is something to be said about allowing things to unfold just as they need. I appreciate the faith of trusting that the spirit which lives inside me knows so much more than I could even imagine.

Just the other day I walked around the neighborhood and took notice of all that I have to be thankful for. I began to think as a child. Children have this unbelievable knowing. They know that without doubt everything will be ok. Even those children who have come into this world with the misfortune of the most irresponsible parents have a trust that life will short them of nothing. I remember that as a child I trusted that the same spirit that gave me life knew just what I needed without question. I was fearless. I woke up ever morning ready to play and to find the adventure in a new day. I had no worries and even if we lacked something I had no idea what lack really was. As I looked around me I saw that abundance was in everything. The trees didn’t question would they grow, they just did. Every spring the flowers that had not bloomed in a year, bloomed. The things that were frozen by winter’s harsh and many times brutal cold began to thaw. So, for me life took care of itself. And even now, when I often don’t take time to notice, it still does.

Today, I am so thankful for this moment of knowing and trusting. I have no idea where my life is taking me, and yet I am so excited to be on this journey. A few years ago, I would have been uncomfortable with the onset of something so new and unknown, but at this point I embrace life as it is given. I know that I will become who I have been destined to become in the time that is right for me. I will not become who someone else wants me to become, nor will I have a need to worry about the process of becoming. This journey, with all of its surprises has been predestined just for me. I am not in competition to get someplace before my time or the time of another. I will arrive in mind, body, and spirit where and when I am suppose to arrive. I have no idea where things are taking me, and yet, I am so assure that I am right where I need to be.