Life is a journey and I believe even with all of the ups and downs it can be beautiful if we understand our purpose. Last week, I had the opportunity to be a luncheon speaker at the 2018 Odyssey Network Business Retreat in Naples, Florida. Interesting, Odyssey is defined as, “an intellectual or spiritual wandering, voyage or quest” (such as an odyssey of self-discovery). The word Odyssey has both a literal and figurative meaning. The conference literally promoted attendees to seek self-discovery about their journey and purpose in life.
The theme of the conference was “Mindfulness.” Mindfulness is defined “as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” The coordinators of the business retreat asked me to explore how forgiveness and mindfulness can make a difference in one’s life and help them on their journey. As I worked on my speech, I thought about my own journey and how practicing mindfulness helped me live out forgiveness on a daily basis. Forgiveness and Mindfulness are good companions and can make our lives richer.
I’ve often heard people talk about the importance of enjoying the journey and not just the destination, but how many of us actually practice that on a daily basis? Life brings many ups and downs and I’ve learned that sometimes how we thought our life would go does not always pan out that way. As I continue to get older and life brings me many changes, I’ve learned that my journey is more about how I handle these changes verses trying to control them.
Arthur Ashe said, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is more important than the outcome.” Oftentimes while we are on our journey we learn so much about ourselves that our destination may change. Over the past five decades with the lessons I’ve learned, my journey has taken many twists and turns. Some things that were once important to me no longer hold value and some of the things I once took for granted now mean the world to me.
Earlier this year I decided to evaluate how I was doing on my journey. I looked at where life had brought me and if I was truly happy and living out my purpose. In doing so, I had to make sure I was clear about my core values. I am clear that my core values include my faith, love of my family, and sharing the favor of forgiveness. I am very mindful of my purpose and why I exist. This understanding helps me to be grateful and enjoy every step of the journey. For me the destination is not at the end of some road, but rather in the beauty of each step of every day.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org. Wendy is a coach, consultant and speaker. You may email her at [email protected].
