You have arrived at your destination
“You have arrived at your destination. The route guidance is now finished.”
Is there a more comforting phrase? After all the twists and turns, merges, and recalculations, you finally made it!
But what happens if you’ve reached the end of your roadmap with time to spare, and the next destination isn’t clear? What now?
As long as I can remember, I’ve been looking ahead to the next big goal. Got an A in school? Try for an A+. Graduated college? Go for your master’s. Got married? Time to raise a family. Lost 25 pounds? Run a marathon. Had an article published in the local newspaper? Write a novel. Received a raise at work? Better try for a promotion.
The next big challenge has kept me going, excited about life. Then I woke up one morning and realized the only remaining rung on my career ladder was CEO. The position is not available at my current location, and to be truthful, my heart isn’t in running a company anyway. I’ve worked for 38 years and I’m starting to dream of retirement. But I’m not ready to pull out the rocking chair and knitting needles just yet.
Which raises the question, where do I go from here? Do I start a second career–maybe working for myself this time? Or do I step back and enjoy the fruits of my labor–travel the world, spend more time with the grandchildren, read back-to-back books?
One thing I know for sure, I want to find a better balance between planning for the future and enjoying the moment. In my tendency to look ahead, I often forget to live in the present. Life is happening right now, not six weeks from now or even five minutes from now.
I know I’m not alone in this. My daughter, who’s only in her 30s, recently expressed similar concerns. She has the family, the house, and the job she’d always dreamed of–now what? Her route guidance needs to be reprogrammed. Maybe yours does too.
This blog is my public “reprogramming.” I hope you’ll find it entertaining. I imagine there will be lessons learned–whether they are inspirational examples or cautionary tales is yet to be seen. Either way, I hope you’ll join me for the journey.
Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
More please! This is wonderful!
Thanks Nancy! I’d love to hear from you along the way.
Perfect – love you, Christie! I’m excited to follow your blog!
Thank you Sheri. I’m looking forward to your input.
I enjoyed your first post and look forward to reading more! 🙂
Thank you Kasey! Please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts along the way.
Congratulations, once again you are fulfilling another goal and finding more destinations! Couldn’t be more proud of you. The best part? I’ll be in the “passenger seat” while you find your next destination, and I get to be along for the ride. ❌⭕️❌⭕️
Aw, thanks Larry. Wouldn’t want anyone else by my side.
Hey! I know this lady! She’s pretty alright man! She didn’t use my suggested title for her blog, but there is no accounting for taste 😉 Love you mommy!
Love you too! I’m saving your suggested blog title for later — when I’m a pro at this stuff. Wouldn’t want to waste it on a newby. 😉
Hi sister! I love your thoughts in this blog. I remember the last time I thought I was slowing down in life I blinked and had a new family. ? Whatever life brings you next I know you will amaze me as you always do.
Well, it won’t be a new family, but thanks for the confidence! 🙂
I cant wait to go on this journey with you! You’ve always inspired me and I’m sure you wont dissapoint! (No pressure.) I love you sis!
Thank you Cindy. Sorry for the delay in responding. I guess I’m already learning something new–how to work a blog!
I am on a similar journey myself. At 20 years of age, I’m more or less trying to figure myself out. I am learning what drives me, and deciding where I want to go with my life (career and otherwise.) This is a rather inspirational post! I wish you the best of luck, and will be back along for the ride. 🙂
Thank you for the sudden spark of motivation.
Welcome aboard Ashleigh and good luck on your journey! Perhaps we can motivate each other along the way. I look forward to getting to know more about you.