"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao Tzu
I often remind myself of this quote by Lao Tzu especially when I meet, read or hear about someone that has accomplished what I want to do which is to create and build a successful social enterprise and prove to myself (and a few others-why lie?) that I am capable of doing good in service to the world and be very wealthy too! Over the years it has often seemed that the journey to accomplish this goal, this big vision I have, seems so far removed..thousands of miles removed actually. But reminding myself of this quote helps to bring my focus back to the present moment, the only moment that counts and remind myself to take that next step in this thousand mile journey. The other day, I mused that I have been reminding myself of this for almost 5 years but it actually works and is helpful and I tell myself "hey your closer than before, don't give up". For some people the reminder that they have hundreds of miles left on a journey might not be very motivating, I am not going to lie, there have been moments, I have felt that way. Especially in past times when paying bills and rent or mortgage was all I could afford to do (and sometimes even that was a struggle) and the idea of having a successful business was laughable even to me. However, at times when I have been broke and discouraged, is when this quote has served as a good reminder to keep forging ahead. Now more than ever, I feel I am closer to my goal and think "hey maybe you're halfway there, can't give up now". I don't get discouraged knowing that I still might have hundreds of miles to go, I remind myself of all the steps already taken and how full of regret and sorrow I would be if I gave up now. No, as mentioned before and another reminder I say to myself "I will die trying" and I am OK if I die trying on this thousand mile, long-ass journey! I am enjoying the journey despite the blindsides and curveballs i.e. pain and suffering, mistakes and failures I have had. I look back on the mistakes I have made and which impacted my relationship with husband and kids and cost me a lot of money and although I so wish I could change them, I know I can't. I have learned (not easily) to accept and recognize that all of it is part of this thousand mile journey, this journey called Life.
May this quote be a reminder to you as well, take that first or next step, start or continue on the journey, don't give up!
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