taking action to achieve my goals has been a lot like taking a canoe journey. when paddling a canoe, to move forward you paddle on both sides of the canoe. in life, to achieve your vision, you take action on goals in all areas of your life.
every journey and goal is different; you never know what your challenges will be, or when you will be challenged during your journey. the effort required to paddle, to take action towards your vision and goals can and will change.
our goals are like the ripples in the water from paddling the canoe, one expanding into another, effecting and joining one another.
on my various canoe journeys i’ve had many different experiences. i’ve been able to paddle leisurely. i’ve been faced with a challenge; a light wind, a strong wind, rain, or a change in direction.
in life there are times when your priority and focus will be on one area of your life and you will spend more time on the goals related to that area of your life to grow and achieve your vision. in these moments paddling, or taking actions for your goals, will be slow and steady to keep you moving forward.
on my canoe adventures i have had to change directions to make it to my destination. changing directions in a canoe requires you paddle more on one side of the canoe than the other. i have changed directions and was going into the wind so i needed to use more focused effort and energy. i have moved into a new direction and the wind was less and the paddling was easier because i wasn’t fighting against the wind.
there are times in life that you need to change directions, the goals you have may no longer be leading you to the vision that you have for yourself. in life changing your goals to achieve your vision may require more discipline and focus, or the goal may be easier because you are not fighting against the challenges that you faced going in the wrong direction.
there are times when i’ve been paddling in the right direction but a strong wind challenged me and i put forth a lot of energy and effort. paddling through challenges requires more determination and focus on your final destination in order to arrive to it. i didn’t let the wind stop me from reaching my destination; i’ve had to paddle with stronger and quicker strokes, i’ve had to move closer to shore stop and let the wind calm or the rain pass. i’ve gone with the flow letting the current carry me to rest, refresh and rejuvenate before continuing on my journey. i’ve had to ask for help in paddling, both to stop paddling and to begin paddling.
there are times when taking action on your goals you will have challenges; negative feelings of overwhelm doubt or worry, negative opinions from others, or a change in another area of your life. it is important to keep taking action towards your goals and move through and grow through the challenges you will face.
i have felt overwhelm when trying to achieve my goals. and the overwhelming feeling is accompanied with thoughts of doubt and worry, and questions of “how?” and “am i going to make it through?” at these times i take time to become aware of where i am, where i’ve been focusing my energies and actions. have i been taking action on one area of my life and neglecting another that i am out of balance and need to realign? do i need to let go and go with the flow?
most often when overwhelm tries to get to me it is because i’m not prioritizing my life and i haven’t had balance for too long. not too long ago i was feeling overwhelm and i became aware that it was because i wasn’t putting my health – specifically my physical activity as a priority. i was neglecting my morning exercise; running, yoga strength and stretching. and i know that when i’m not physically active, i’m affected in all areas of my life. it’s like ripples in the water disturbing and merging with the others. i’m not able to do my best, because i’m not physically my best.
it is important while on your journey, taking action to reach your goal, that you enjoy the journey! happiness comes from the experiences on your journey, not from reaching the final destination. reaching your final destination, achieving your goals is a time for celebration. during your journey and at the end of your journey practice being in present moment awareness. and as one journey ends, be ready for a new journey to begin.
enjoy the challenges of your journey!
live your truth!
