The first sentence in my book, I’m In, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is attributed to the Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu.
This pearl of wisdom is one of those quotes that I “go to” very frequently when I need a little pick-me-up. And I certainly needed a boost this past week.
Last week, Cathy and I had to put one of our dogs to sleep. I made sure my eyes were the last thing she saw before her pain drifted away, so she could feel a sense of comfort, and not pain and fear.
I spent a few days in mourning. They were very difficult days because Allie Boo had been a valuable tour guide to me on my journey of a thousand miles.
She was my first puppy. We took our first steps together in competitions. I won contests and earned ribbons with her. She became an AKC Champion. We became champions. She had puppies. I brought her on dog training appointments to help teach other dogs how to be a well-balanced and well-behaved dog. We had many so many journeys during her 12 + years on this earth.
Travel on, Allie Boo. I miss you dearly!
***
Last week, I reached my 46th birthday.
My life is half over. Where has the time gone? What have I really done?
I thought some more.
Hopefully, I still have 46 years left to live. Think what’s possible.
I have accomplished things which were predictable: graduated high school, got a college degree, bought a house, and married the love of my life. All significant milestones.
I’ve also had some unexpected journeys. For instance, I was a marine mammal trainer for a number of years and I recovered from a heart attack and stroke. Those are significant milestones as well. They are remarkable and memorable life experiences that I never could have predicted and never really set as life-long dreams or goals.
My point is that I’m traveling on a journey. I don’t always know where I am going, but I keep moving my feet.
I started blogging three years ago. I started my writing career three years ago. Have I reached my final destination? No! To be honest, I don’t even know what my final goal is. I am just writing, moving my feet. I’m somewhere along the journey.
In my past, life knocked me of course and directed me towards some unpleasant as well as very pleasant destinations. Some journeys predictably ended, like the marine mammal training years. I made that decision.
Some journeys will end without my consent. But I know that I always seem to land on my feet no matter what happens.
In the future, I’m certain that I will be led on journeys that I didn’t anticipate. Will I always have as competent a guide as Cathy or my family or my friends or even Allie Boo?
I don’t know.
I believe we should live fully, be awake and aware, while traveling on our journeys and not be so concerned about the destination.
After all, I have learned from experience that our destinations can change or our journeys can be cut short in a brief moment.
Enjoy your journey!
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
Peter
