Recently, Seth Godin, highlighted in his blog, a very important question for each of us to ask ourselves. And I am asking you (and, myself) that question right now! Do you see your life as a series of events or a journey? He says the two options are easy to confuse. Let me help you clarify according to Seth Godin’s definition.
He suggests, an event happens on a certain date, then it’s over, nothing more to be done. While a journey might include a significant event; however, it’s bigger than that one happening. For example:
- A wedding is an event, a marriage is a journey expanding that initial event; the wedding.
- The week a book is published is an event, while the creation, publication and lifespan of the ideas in the book are a journey.
The focus and energy we lavish on events can easily distract us from the journey we truly desire from life. Often an event is experienced as a one-and-done journey! When we see life as a one-and-done event rather than the beginning of a life and career journey; living becomes just a series of starts and stops with highs and lows. This can be a reason why so many feel unfulfilled in their life and career. Without the connection of events as part of a journey, the feeling of endless doing with little fulfillment, takes its toll on one’s motivational energy.
Interestingly enough, it was when I wrote my last book titled “Hello, Self…”, https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Self-Patricia-Leonard/dp/0966679792 that I finally realized my previous books had different titles; however, the content followed a similar message. I had been so into creating another event without realizing I was really on a journey in my writing, coaching and business goals. In this fast paced world of distractions, we can get so caught up in the events of the next BIG thing; and fail to see life itself as a celebratory ongoing journey!
Ask yourself this question: Are you living your life for the next event high; or enjoying each day with the awareness of life as an ongoing journey.
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