Joy in the Journey

Each day is a new adventure. Despite the often mundane nature of our daily routines, if we make the conscious decision to be happy, we can find a great amount of Joy in the Journey! I promise.

Several years ago, when I was a young father, working full time, and finishing graduate school, I remember longing for happier times. At the time, it seemed to me as though happiness had to be delayed while I slugged my way through that part of my life. Many times, I would say to myself or others that, “As soon as I finish school, then I can be happy.” Then I would say, “As soon as I get a good job, then I can be happy.” Sometime later, that statement would be followed up by something like, “As soon as I get a good raise and start earning better money, then I can be happy.” For me, the cycle continued, one “barrier to happiness” quickly being replaced by another.

Have you ever said to yourself, “I will be happy when…(fill in the blank)?” If so, stick with me for a few minutes.

Over time, it became apparent to me that happiness doesn’t work that way.

It took me many years, but gradually, I was able to realize that if I wanted to be happy, I had to be happy regardless of the situation that I was in. No matter what we pursue in life, we will always have challenges. And if we allow them to, we will find ourselves continuously kicking the proverbial happiness can down the road to some future elusive better time.

A religious leader whom I have great respect for made the following statement which has had a tremendous impact on me:

“So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation, a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial. We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect.”

Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I float though life continuously humming and singing, because I don’t. But I can tell you that my perspective has changed, and it continues to change each and every day.

I remember listening to a motivational speaker once where the question was presented: “What would happen if we spent more time developing our own talents instead of watching others develop theirs?”

That thought-provoking question eventually led me to try something that I had always thought about doing someday. For many years, I had casually enjoyed Bluegrass music, and in particular, the banjo. Now, I am anything but a musician, trust me on that. Growing up, I never learned to play an instrument, nor did I ever learn to read music.

What would happen if we spent more time developing our own talents instead of watching others develop theirs?

About eight years ago, I went online and found a beginning banjo class being taught through a local Community Education program. I signed up for it. I bought me an inexpensive banjo on Amazon (I love Amazon!), and I went to class. At the class, I became friends with my instructor, and since that time, I have taken multiple classes from him, over several years. I eventually even bought a much nicer banjo from him, thinking that I deserved a better instrument.

I am not proficient at the banjo by any measure. But playing it has become an important part of my day. Instead of sleeping in and watching television before work, I get up early, I take my dog for a walk, I go for a run, and then I practice my banjo. It is amazing how much that simple routine has impacted the way I feel each day. I only wish I had discovered that earlier!

My experience with the banjo gave me greater personal confidence. It also gave me more motivation. That motivation has led me to be more curious about things, and I find that I really enjoy learning new things. Which brings me to my latest new hobby—beekeeping.

I have become fascinated by bees. A relative of mine once told me that if bees ceased to exist, humans would cease to exist. Whether that is entirely true or not, I honestly don’t know. But a few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me if I would have any interest in his used beekeeping equipment. Perfect timing!

I have checked out the local regulations, and I have found that I can keep bees in my yard (I do need a license). So I started reaching out to others to learn more about beekeeping. It is amazing how many people know about beekeeping! Once again, I got on Amazon, and I ordered me the “Beekeeping for Dummies” book. I was told that it would be an excellent resource. There are also literally thousands of hours of YouTube videos talking about the amazing process of beekeeping.

I ordered 3 lbs. of bees complete with the queen! Fresh honey later coming this year!

In addition to developing talents and hobbies, I have found a few other guiding principles, which when I apply them, they help me to be happier each day. A few of those principles that I highly recommend are the following:

Stay curious

Stay connected or reconnect with friends and family

Don’t intentionally waste time

Volunteer some of your time

Take care of yourself physically, spiritually, and emotionally

Have no regrets

Each day is a new adventure. Despite the often mundane nature of our daily routines, if we make the conscious decision to be happy, we can find a great amount of Joy in the Journey! I promise.