The Journey Begins From Where You Are is another one of those thoughts that occurred at 3:00am. This time of the morning is very peaceful to me. Everything is still and quiet. My thoughts are free to roam without disturbance. Sleeping would be nice. The freedom to think is equally nice.
Beginning from where you are now is not new. The thought/wording has many variations.
- The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
- Take baby steps.
- The past is gone. The future is not here or guaranteed. Live in the now. This is the gift call present.
A thought I heard recently is credited to Francis Bacon: Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake.
I am not sure who the credit goes for this one: The devil wants you to worry about what’s next so you can’t enjoy what’s now. The devil is a liar. Stop worrying. Always focus on God and enjoy every single day given!
That one appeals to the Spirit of this blog. The 3am thought came as: The journey begins from where you are now. Not what you used to be. Not from what you want to be, for you are not there. Everyday the journey begins again. Each day we feel different, no matter how long we have been on the journey. We must put forth the effort everyday to continue on the journey.
What does this mean to me? The words were very calming. “I am not what I used to be”. The thought let me settle down into my old body and allowed me to calmly plan my next work out. I am not that elite athlete from 30 years ago. In my late fifties, working out for long periods of time is not a thing. However, I can work a little bit more than I did yesterday. I have today. I am here with this body now. What can I do today? Practice my stances. Work on my blocks, punches and kicks. Improve the accuracy of my techniques. This can be done today. Patiently improving. Steadily healing; getting stronger. Step by step.
Some of you want to get in shape, lose weight or run a marathon. You say to yourself: I will workout after I lose weight. I can’t now, I’m too heavy. You are where you are right now. Just start moving. You don’t have to run for miles. You don’t have to go to the gym for hours on end. Start with what you have. Walk back and forth to the car. Walk back and forth in the driveway until your body tells you to do more. Listen to your body. Slowly increase the effort; one day at a time. Have the patience to take one day at a time; one more step at a time. That’s the problem, isn’t it? Patience. We want it right now. Remember: You are not there… yet.
Some want to advance at their job. Some act like they are already in charge. You are not. Not today. Learn to be a good follower. Learn what it takes to lead. Find a mentor. Study. Work at it. Spend a few extra minutes at work. Learn the business. If you don’t like where you are working, learn anyway. Every business started small and grew. What did it take to grow? What processes were put in place to help it grow? How about the people? Nothing grows without people and help. What can make them happy and productive? Another bossy person? No. Help them to see what they want. Help them to see what is good (hopefully) about the company so they are happy which will help the company grow. One day at a time. That’s the problem again, isn’t it? Patience. We want it right now. Remember: You are not there… yet.
What if you have already been on the journey a long time? Those who have mastered the piano or Martial Arts must master the art again everyday. There is no magic. Everyday one must practice the basics. A new piece of music must be studied first. It must be practiced over and over again before it is presented. Yes, even if you have been playing for 30 years, you must begin from where you are now. The Martial Artist has performed a block many thousands of times. If a strike comes, it must be blocked NOW. A strike doesn’t care you have been blocking for 50 years. You must stop the strike today, now.
Be where you are Now. The journey begins from where you are now. Not what you used to be. Not from what you want to be, for you are not there. Everyday the journey begins again. Each day we feel different, no matter how long we have been on the journey. We must put forth the effort everyday to continue on the journey.
Today is a new day. Give yourself a chance. Begin again. Everyday, begin again.
