Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.
That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult. When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown. Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”. We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated.
As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited! The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events. When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.” The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once. I was afraid of an epic fail.
Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door. New friendships were made, faith was increased.
My new direction is in employment. At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun! There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away. There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff. There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls. There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.
Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown?
What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.
Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!
{{{HUGS}}} Yall
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I loved this blog post.(: I am having to face soo many new things right now.. getting a job and a car, and going to college.. even had to buy stamps the other day all by myself..(So I could mail a super cool letter to a super cool friend).. but I have never had to do any of this on my own and it is so scary.. Not too sure I want to grow up, but I kinda have to. Everything is unknown to me, but I shouldn’t be too afraid, God will be there, and my sweet friend from NC. (: Thanks for sharing. I will be praying your new journey will be terrific!!!
Thank you for this insightful post. For me my life has taken so many vastly different directions I am often confused which way I am pointed. Today has rekindled my spirit and showed me that been a hope in vain to get where I am taking that first step again. I feel like a toddler beginning to walk, except this time, I know that I will be able to run and jump before all is done. I was at the bottom of a pit looking up in despair at a mountain that seemed to high to even try and climb. My house is on the verge of foreclosure. Lawyers were not even giving much hope in bankruptcy. Then, unexpectedly, a phone call from the mortgage company offering help, hope and even support where before was harshness and ill words. I have not only been lifted out of the pit of despair, I have been put closer to the top of the mountain on firm footing with a opportunity to take that first step again on a journey to resolution of one of the worst circumstances in my life. I do not know if I will save my home, I don’t know what all I will need to do. I just know I have the opportunity to take that step without being told I can not walk. Proof that the prayers of all are heard and that there is always brighter times in front of you no matter what. (btw I love the photo. It reminds me of the “Footprints in the Sand” poem written by Mary Stevenson
Thank you very much for this post – my heart needed to receive your encouraging message.
I’m recovering from vertigo, originally caused by an inner ear infection, induced anxiety attacks which prohibit me from freeway
driving.
Bottom line, I now am embarking on a series of small, incremental steps to attack the fear & eventually overcome it.
As part of the recovery process, I sing praise songs, pray for God’s hand to guide my own on the steering wheel, & to send his angels to sit with me in the car while I drive.
Please pray for me to recover as it limits my employment opportunities as well as puts additional driving load on my loving spouse.
Thanks again for all of your encouraging words – you are a blessing.
Regards,
@itmattersmost
@Sam – your journey will be an amazing one! I’m excited for you! Growing up in this day and age with the resources that you have at hand – very exciting. You are smart, beautiful and very talented and will make a huge impact in this world that we live!
@Chris – wow, your journey is one so many are embarking on and unfortunately you guys are forced down this road many times. But, learning to stand and walk again will give you the confidence you need to keep going, keep putting one foot infront of the other – to never give up. If there is one thing that I know for certain…that is there is always hope. If the sun comes up, hope is with it. Always! Thank you for the photo comment as well. I love the ocean, nothing like it. That photo came out better than I could have hoped.
@itmattersmost – I will be praying for you! Recovery from this is a scary thing as it limits you so very much. Keep taking those small steps, don’t give up. Every step gets you closer, encourages your heart and tells your mind that you can do this.
Thank you all for taking the time to stop and comment! YOU have encouraged me by doing so! Let’s keep moving forward together!
{{HUGS}} Yall
@spreadingJOY
Hey Re I loved this post it made me sort of emotional because I am on the journey right now looking at the moutian that has the road and I’m trying to see through all the fog to get to the JOY I am a fighter and I will do my best to get employment and continue blogging and praying and Tworshipping to see my way through and continue to seek prayers and encouragment from you and all of my twitter family. continue to do these post it really helps! love ya RE -(Joyful_Delight/Joycie) With the help of the Lord definitely 🙂 I can’t do anything without HIM….
I love that you are a fighter and that you are writing again.
I love how free spirited you are and I know that you’ll come out of the trial like gold!
I will be praying for you. I’ve enjoyed your updates, as I get them by email. I need to get caught up and go comment on them. 🙂
Thank you for all you do, for how you encourage and keep going Joycie!!! You will make it and help many others along the way!!
{{HUGS}}
Marie recently posted..Shine for HIM
Whao,i love this,just the words i needed this morning,thank you for sharing. I will also like to encourage everyone with this; Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther. J. P. Morgan. God bless.
Sometimes those steps are super scary!! But once we just muster up the courage to just go…it gets easier and easier!!
Thank you for taking the time to encourage others!! I love that quote!!
Marie recently posted..Shine for HIM