the joy is in the journey

 The destination is but a bonus.

Has anybody ever shared some words with you that have made a difference in your life?

More years ago than I can wrap my mind around, an out-of-town friend came for a visit. We were about to travel to a place that neither of us had seen before, Vancouver Island’s Pacific West Coast. There were still a few errands to run before we got there and I was rather stressed with all the things that still needed doing before we reached the island and the vacation could officially begin.

“You could consider all that still needs to be taken care of as part of the adventure”, my good friend wisely suggested. “Think of it as part of the vacation.” I took those words to heart, and it proved to be a turning point.

Although the “to do” list did not get any shorter, it suddenly became a part of the joy of the journey.  And it is something I have intentionally chosen to make a habit of since then, and not just for vacations – to see tasks and errands as part of an adventure. This makes them stop being a chore, and contributes greatly to the squeezing of every moment, every day.

The destination (<– click either there, here, here, here or possibly even here for a view), which incidentally became my favourite place on this planet so far, was simply the wonderful cherry on top. Talk about good advice.

Blog Note:
Q :: Where is this road?
A ::  It is on Vancouver Island’s west coast – leading to and from Radar Hill, a place that used to offer spectatular views of the Pacific. Trees have since grown to crowd out the view, and the look-out deck was removed the last time we were here, and so it is not what it used to be. However some time has passed since I was last here, and perhaps a new look-out deck has been added again…. there is always hope 🙂 And yet the drive itself is always a joy – with trees lining the road and just enough turns and curves to keep you wondering what could be around the next corner.

 
For more journeys shared by bloggers from around the world, let your travels take you here.

38 comments on “the joy is in the journey”

  1. 29 Sep 2011 at 09:39 diggingher

    As I read your post I was reminded of the movie Peaceful Warrior. The teacher tells the student its about the journey not the destination- great movie if you haven’t seen it. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Your posts are meaningful and the photo’s are always lovely. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us.

    Like

  2. 29 Sep 2011 at 10:35 Diana

    hadn’t heard this before. Like it a lot. (and the photo, too!)

    Like

  3. 29 Sep 2011 at 14:08 nrhatch

    Life is a journey . . . not a destination. Great post.

    For more info on the Way of the Peaceful Warrior movie:

    Get Real . . . Be Here Now

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    • 29 Sep 2011 at 20:05 pix & kardz

      glad you enjoyed. that’s the second reference to peaceful warrior. i must check it out one of these days 🙂
      thank you also for sharing your thoughts.

      Like

  4. 30 Sep 2011 at 01:45 Nandini

    Wonderful read. Thanks for sharing it. A lot can happen on the way, bringing even more excitement. 🙂

    Like

  5. 1 Oct 2011 at 03:23 photographer6

    I loved this blog post…more than you know. I have 4 children that I homeschool, I am a full time photographer, not to mention a wife, housekeeper, taxi driver, etc. Sometimes……maybe a LOT of the times, I am overwhelmed with everything on my plate. Thank you for sharing this post. You are so right, and it is wonderful to be reminded about enjoying everything on our own “adventure”. Hugs!

    Like

    • 1 Oct 2011 at 23:18 pix & kardz

      aw, thanks for the wonderful comment – and blessings to you as you juggle all your tasks. May there be joy in the juggling. Hugs back at you!
       
      And thanks for following my blog. I am honoured – and stoked 🙂

      Like

  6. 2 Oct 2011 at 05:58 Amar Naik

    nice shot

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  7. 2 Oct 2011 at 07:42 photographer6

    Chris, would love to do a pingback to this for something I am putting together on my blog. With your permission, of course. 🙂

    Like

  8. 2 Oct 2011 at 08:50 thepetalpusher

    Those are very wise words your friend gave you. Someone just recently recommended that I have a mantra whenever I get caught up in the bustle of daily life: Peace and Serenity Be With Me. Yes, it’s all about the journey–thanks for that reminder! ps Need to visit Vancouver!

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    • 2 Oct 2011 at 17:13 pix & kardz

      thanks for visiting here and becoming part of this journey!
      and yes, i think you will find that Vancouver is a destination worth travelling to, as well 🙂

      Like

  10. 9 Oct 2011 at 18:37 Just Ramblin' Pier

    What a great concept. Love this post. : )

    Like

  11. 29 Oct 2011 at 16:29 Maggie L R

    Beautifully written post. I agree, the joy is in the journey and all of our life is a journey worth enjoying from each day to the next. Some days may be tougher than others, but there is always a little gift of joy if you only slow down and look.

    Like

  12. 7 Apr 2012 at 01:09 frizztext

    I like your V = VIEW: the cappuccino on Vancouver Island on your “HERE” examples!

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  13. 7 Apr 2012 at 04:24 nelson RN

    Beautiful post, Kris! And thanks for these words of wisdom. I’ll carry them in my heart 🙂

    Like

  14. 7 Apr 2012 at 16:05 Patti Kuche

    Kris, love the way the sunshine is calling through those trees and over the hill!

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  15. 9 Apr 2012 at 04:04 joshi daniel

    very nice and yep, the joy is in the journey 🙂

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  16. 13 Apr 2012 at 03:13 Jeff Sinon

    I love the “light at the end of the tunnel.”

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  17. 13 Apr 2012 at 07:54 thirdhandart

    What a beautiful photo and a very wise perspective… the joy is in the journey. Wonderful entry!

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  18. 13 Apr 2012 at 07:58 Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey « Thirdhandart's Weblog

    […] the joy is in the journey (kardzbykris.wordpress.com) Share this:FacebookEmailPrintMoreTwitterLinkedInTumblrPinterestLike this:Like21 bloggers like this post. Tags: 2012, photography, postaday, postaweek, St. Louis, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey […]

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  19. 14 Apr 2012 at 23:25 island traveler

    I agree my friend, “the joy is in the journey.” So much adventures out there , so much events to experience, so much life to enjoy every minute of every day, so much love to give and share. It’s how we travel the path that and making the best memories possible that matters. Beautiful post. Take care…

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