When I lived in Northwestern Ontario, one of the things I loved to do was to get in the car and drive to some secluded lake. Often the road that led there was a rough, unpaved, forestry road, strewn with potholes the size of dinosaur's feet.
Regardless of how arduous the trip may have been, it was always worth it when I reached my destination.
The highway of life can often be one that includes sharp turns, detours, wash-outs and delays. Sometimes the destination changes - opportunities arise and new information may lead you in a different direction. Life, work and/or health changes may force you into resetting your compass - a re-prioritization - a rerouting.
These kinds of travels through life can, and often do, include struggle. Does it have to include suffering, though? Not if you have good emotional management skills, which you develop by addressing and undressing your stress.
Stress techniques help you minimize and even erase suffering. With practice, you shift more rapidly out of negative emotions. As you do, you gain perspective, which allows you to reset not only your nervous system but also your direction finder.
When you do reach your destination, brush off that travel dust and reflect upon the lessons you've learned on your journey. Then, take time to celebrate.
Travels, voyages and journeys
Detours. Side-trips
Ups, downs and break-downs
Smooth sailing. Rough seas
Hot days, bright skies, torrential rains
Delays
Worry, frustration, disappointment, sadness
Smooth heart rhythms, balanced nervous system
Increased resilience
Travelling well through life.
“We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier way, begin no day where we have ended another day; and no sunrise finds us where sunset left us. Even while the earth sleeps we travel. We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and are scattered.”
― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Ramana.
Beautifully worded post, and meaningful message, Marianna, as per your norm! I particularly like line 2: “… rough, unpaved, forestry road, strewn with potholes …”
As well, I value how you stressed that struggle doesn’t necessarily have to include suffering. What a concept that many of us have had to learn, over time, often, the hard way.
Your blog posts and other insights have been part of the learning process for me. Anyone who hires you for your stress techniques and strategies; and all who read your blogs, will continue to learn and be guided through some of our more challenging and rugged life paths.
Finally, I adore the Khalil Gibran quote that “rummuser” shared in your comments section.
What a lovely find as I navigated through your site today.
Jacqui
Thank you, Jacqui.
As usual, your keen eye has picked out the salient point of this post – a skill you’ve no doubt honed from your years of crafting resumes that work for your clients.
Did you know that you are part of my learning process, too? I find your writing style inspirational – the vivid pictures you paint with words stimulates the senses and leaves you satisfied, but also wanting more. 🙂