Goal vs. Journey
18 August 2010
On Monday we finally got a break in the intense summer heat we’ve had around here. So I loaded Connor up in the baby carrier, snapped on KC’s leash, and put McKenna in some comfy walking shoes.
While I didn’t work off any of my lingering pregnancy belly, I rediscovered the simple joy of the journey rather than the destination. It’s possible that the last time I did this was 3 1/2 years ago on “The Road to Hana” in Maui.
While the landscape of our neighborhood is slightly different, the idea was the same. McKenna collected treasures from our journey (leaves, sticks, etc.) and crouched low to the ground to help KC sniff for bunnies. (Which is just as funny and adorable as it sounds.)
For better or worse, I’m a goal girl. When I want something, it’s easy for me to get absorbed in accomplishing it. While this trait works well for me in my career or getting the house cleaned, I’ve found it works against me in parenting. Because I can often forget to enjoy the journey. Especially when it involves as much poo and spit up as it does these days.
I didn’t cross anything off my to-do list yesterday morning, but I feel it was a richer day for that reason.
What about you? Are you the “take life as it comes” type, or the “this needs to be done, then this, then this…” type?
I am the do-er with the task list, and I enjoy placing check marks along the way. I, too, am trying to enjoy the journey more with these kids…but, apparently, it’s a long learning process!
Posted by Kelli on 20 August 2010