The post below was originally published in 2011, and it's been updated each year to reflect where I am in my life and the new...
Read MoreThe Struggle = The Prize
Things We Forget does it again!
I’m in the middle of a life-changing muddle right now. I have, as we like to say around our house, “good problems” that I’m sorting through. When I was in a similar situation a few years ago, I whined to my artist friend Stef that I just wanted things to be settled. She said, “Oh, sweetie. When things are all settled, you’ll be dead. Enjoy the journey.”
So whether you’re chasing the clock at CrossFit, holding a pose at yoga, staring down an intimidating barbell loaded with iron, training for that running PR, trying to convince your wee one to eat a vegetable, redecorating your house, planning the vacation of a lifetime, making the switch to paleo, shooting for a promotion or a new job… whatever your heart desires… I wish you a rewarding journey.
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Thank you for this. I needed to hear exactly those words today.
Don’t you love when the message comes along at just the right time?!
Yes, I do. Thanks Mel!! Bookmarked and shared and screen saver-ed.
A very timely post! It is so easy to get wrapped up in goals that we miss the beauty of the journey – and the journey is really all there is, in the end!
Thank you for this reminder. I have a trip scheduled to Dubai on February 15th to visit my husband who works in Afghanistan. I am a flight attendant so traveling for “vacation” really isn’t my favorite thing to do and for some reason I just have no desire to go to Dubai (I’m actually a bit pissed off about it but I’m really trying to have a positive attitude…). I find myself just saying…”as soon as I can get through this trip this month then I’ll be settled”. This post reminded me of the ridiculousness of that attitude and if I don’t change it I will miss out on the wonderful time I can have exploring a new city and the much needed downtime with my hubby! Thanks, Melissa!
ANDREA! That sounds so exciting! I totally understand how it could seem like an annoyance… but what a great opportunity! Wishing you a big, rewarding adventure.
hope all is well, thanks for the inspiration today. Just made a spin off of your cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, deeeelicous thank you!
Thank YOU! And yay for cauli rice!
This is exactly what I needed to read today. Thanks for sharing!
Journey on! Love it!
Wow, how perfect! I just found out that a project that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time has sped up and might actually become a reality. It’s going to be a tiny bit uncomfortable and I was feeling anxious and I clicked here and voila! I’m going to savor every moment of this process, slings and arrows too! Thanks!
Frexciting! Best wishes to you. Breathe.
Thank you for the reminder. I really needed it today!
Thanks for this. And thanks for the idea of “good problems”. Hope yours work out for the best.
My “good problems” are working out very well. Thank you!
Completely agree, I often find once the task is complete and the journey over it’s no where near so much fun!
Oh honey! Where were these wonderful words of wisdom when I was remodeling my kitchen in December? I could have seen that saw dust as fairy dust!
Hugs from Mom
HA! Aren’t you glad that journey is over?! 😉
It’s so hard not to focus on the goal at hand – “when I get the promotion, when I lose the weight, when I get through this challenge…” Focusing on the journey is scary; there is something calming (though false) in focusing on end results. I’m going to try to keep this front and center as I deal with my present circumstances and my goals.
I agree. We tend to be goal-oriented — which is good to a degree. I think the trick is knowing the goal is out there, but LIVING in the present. And breathing. Breathing is the key, I think 🙂
Thanks for this Mel. I’m feeling stretched like a rubber band right now – like I have to be in 10 different places at the same time for so many others and not taking the time for myself. My husband and I are starting our 1st yoga class this Sunday and I’m so looking forward to it. I have to remember – just breathe! I feel so much better alredy. Thanks again.
Breath in through the nose, let your shoulders drop down your back, and rest in the moment. Have a great time at yoga this weekend!
Thank you for my true moment of Zen. I can relate to most of the comments left from others, just waiting for “life to slow down,” when the realization is that I’d be so bored if life actually slowed down. Instead, just trying to refocus on the many blessings in life, and trying to soak in the wisdom of friends near and far. xoxo
Thank you, Melissa! DIG THIS and WOW–perfect timing. Your words are always appropriate, timely and enjoyable. Best to you on your latest journey!
And speaking of journeys…my family and I traveled to Greece last night via Well Fed: Lamb Burgers with your Greek seasoning suggestions, Greek Broccoli, and Roni’s Creamy Cukes. Opah!
Thanks for the well wishes — I’ll be sharing some news soon. Sssshhhh….
YAY for dinner travels. I wish I’d eaten at your house last night!
This was a very needed post right now! I’m beyond frustrated with my weight-loss progress and am trying to committ to a diet/lifestyle overhaul. I’ve done Crossfit plus other activities for a year now, and eaten about 80% paleo and have stayed the exact same weight. My clothes fit a little better, so I know I have replaced some fat with muscle, but not nearly the progress that I feel like I should’ve made busted my butt and eating better than 90% of the people around me. My 20% non-Paleo includes grains and wine (not really any other sugar though – not a sweets person), and I only get 6-7hrs of sleep a night. I’m wondering if the grains + sugar + lack of sleep = not making good gains. It’s just hard to believe that you can work this hard and see zero results due to what seems like kind of insignificant “cheats”, but it is what it is! So I got your cookbook in the mail yesterday and am going full force this time, and committing to sleep..wish me luck! Sorry for the rant – I needed it though!! 🙂
Jamie! Keep fighting the good fight! I understand your frustration, but all the things you’re doing are so good, in and of themselves.
Yes, I think you need to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night — in a completely dark room — to make sure all your hormonal systems work properly.
Glad to know you got Well Fed. Have fun with it!
EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP!
Awesome message 🙂