Through many years of personal growth, trying to achieve and work towards my goals, I have made one crucial oversight.
My mistake: I have been entirely focused on the outer journey instead of realizing my inner journey.
By focusing on the outer journey on many occasions I have neglected to be present during each moment and decreased the joy throughout the experiences of the process.
The accomplishment or focus of the goal was taking precedence over enjoyment of the experiences throughout.
The thought of achieving the goal attributed to a false sense of fulfillment. Linking the accomplishment of the goal to the creation of joy would never be long lasting.
The joy was created while learning, accepting challenges to create opportunities and being present in each moment.
My inner journey does not end once something is achieved. It always continues.
Currently I am trying and doing the things that bring me extraordinary passion in my life.
The things that bring me extraordinary passion in my life are investing in kids/marriage, my values (creativity, imagination, inner and outer health, inner peace, helping others, learning/personal growth).
This misconception I held was viewing the tasks and activities within these passions as focused goals to happiness. The truth laid within the story that was created while living each moment, learning from each experience. This helped to infuse the joy as I chose to mold it into something special.
One instance I recall is the pressure that I placed upon myself to leave a job that is unfulfilling.
Over time I have listened to many opinions on the challenge that was presented before me. The opinions reflected on the topic of quitting to try another job, do another job that brings more value in my life, staying because there is nothing “out there” that provides as much job security, income or stability.
I wholeheartedly agree with living with passion and doing work you love. The difficulty is presented when you are unsure what the work is that you love and brings you infinite fulfillment each day.
The path that I have chosen after many deliberations over passing years is to continue trying and doing things which provide me with unbridled passion in my life.
This path will lead to enjoyment of my journey in various ways;
- Ensure my family is thriving and strong
- Continue with personal growth and improving my strengths
- Awareness of opportunities to utilize my creativity at my current job
- Create an opportunity at current job to transition into a position that compliments my values
- Discover the things that bring me great passion and start living it financially
- Transition into the passion I choose as a “job”
- Learn from every experience and be present in the moments that are created
My integrity for my sense of self is heightened when I know what I would like to get out of my inner journey and begin to develop my path forward.
The pressure placed upon myself is relinquished and I am now at ease with the proactive action taken. There are no expectations to the outcome other than the path I am creating and the story that is being developed on my inner journey.
The factors which determine the developing outcomes of my inner journey are the continuous effort, dedication and gratitude I consciously make each day.
In summary, the life lesson I learned about my inner journey;
The inner journey is much more valuable than the outer journey. The outer journey has value but when valued more, it brings a short lived fulfillment. The moments lived must be lived with presence to be enjoyed. Worry of the outcome must not be the deciding factor of success or failure. Having gratitude for everything that we have and that is created gives us greater appreciation for each moment we live. This ensures enjoyment is always created.
“Believing in my inner journey eliminates the fears that manifest in the false pressures placed upon myself to accomplish and achieve. – Kristin Larsen
Karina
Great post, Kristin 🙂 Looks like we’re on similar paths in terms of mindful journey to within. I’ve still got so much to learn and , more importantly, put into practice what I’ve learnt. I’m just finishing A New Earth by Tolle- I don’t find him easy to read, but maybe that’s good as it makes me read slowly and digest what I’ve read. I’ll keep checking out your blog for more inspirations. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts 🙂 Have fun on your mindful journey!
Kristin Larsen
Thanks Karina, appreciate your feedback. Thank you for sharing some insight about your journey as well. With complex discussions I prefer audio books as I find it easier to conceptualize and comprehend. I can also take in much more information while I am commuting. Best wishes for continued learning and enjoyment on your path as well.
Peter Wallin
Hi Kristin.
This is great. Thank you for the reminder.
As we said, “Dream less, enjoy (now) more” 🙂
Kristin Larsen
Thanks Peter. It can be so easy to get caught in the daily motions and lose sight of the great things we are creating and happening around us. Always appreciate your feedback.