It's All About The Journey

We all have goals and ambitions; and I’m sure we all focus intently on getting past the finish line. Whether we’re working on a big project at work, running a marathon, or working toward a personal goal of some sort I think it’s the journey itself that matters the most.

Our journey may or may not end as we originally planned, but the obstacles and achievements that we endure along the way are when we will learn valuable life lessons. We may discover our strengths, as well as our weaknesses. Our goals may even change during the course of the journey. We may find ourselves needing to step out of our comfort zones in order to get where we need to go.

Last night my daughter and I attended a team fundraiser for a 3Day breast cancer walk. I had participated in the same walk a few years ago so I knew the dedication it took and wanted to support this young team. I remember my goal; as well as all the planning, training, and fundraising that went along with it. Was I able to train for 20 weeks in preparation? Yes. Was I able to raise my required funds? You bet – I actually raised more than double than was required. Was I able to walk ALL 60 miles in 3 days? Sorry to say, but NO I wasn’t - I only walked about 48 miles. Sometimes all the planning, energy and enthusiasm we have for a goal isn’t enough to get us through. Do I have any regrets that I wasn’t able to complete my goal? Of course I do, but I didn’t walk away empty handed (no pun intended). I pushed myself for months and found an inner level of dedication and strength that I didn’t know I had inside me. Along the way I discovered that I had a voice and a passion for a cause AND that I was respected for what I had to say. I found that I LOVED talking to people I didn’t know to create awareness. Last night I told someone that I had discovered that I loved the fundraising portion of the journey more than the training part to which he replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say that.”

You never know what you’re going to discover about yourself or other people while on your journey. Consider the journey an adventure. Be willing to step outside your box. Be open to what may come your way. You never know … achieving your original goal may not end up being your biggest accomplishment.

What journey are you currently on?

The Battle Over Pink

October isn't just the 10th month on the calendar, it's also the month where amidst all the orange, yellow & reds of autumn you'll see a sea of pink. October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month. You'll hear about a number of fundraising walks being sponsored, like the one I was in last weekend. You'll see an endless variety of 'pink' items on the shelves that supposedly donate a portion of sales to breast cancer research. I'd like to think it's true that funds are being raised that support ground breaking research, create community awareness, and support programs that directly assist current cancer patients going through treatments. But there are times I wonder just how much of the profits of the commercial items ranging from water bottles & mugs to socks and t-shirts actually go where they're supposed to and what that actual percentage is. Just how much money are all of these companies making at the expense of breast cancer or any other cause for that fact? I would hope that some companies aren't just jumping on the pink band wagon knowing that if they donate even the smallest percentage to the cause that they'll be able to rake in some big profits during the highly publicized month. Don't get me wrong, as a 7 year breast cancer survivor I am truly grateful for every single dollar that gets raised in hopes that a cure can be discovered before my daughter or anyone else's daughter is affected.

 

If you have $25 to donate and want your $25 to have the most impact then you need to ask yourself an important question. Where exactly do you want to make a difference? Has there been a specific program you've seen in action that touched your heart? Do you have a relative or a friend who benefited from Meals on Wheels? If so, why not donate directly to their program? Do you know someone who received immediate care and support at a shelter? Then why not make a direct donation to them? There are so many great organizations out there that do exactly what they say they're going to do that I think it's great when they can get some support.

 

I chose to walk in a recent Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk because it's organized by the American Cancer Society and I've personally benefited from programs that they continue to offer. I knew where my donation and those of my supporters was going. I'll admit that I've purchased a pink ribbon t-shirt or two during the last 7 years and that's o.k. I just think that in a day and age when commercialism and making a profit are as predictable as the sun rising and setting each day, we need to all be responsible and be careful. 

 

Do you have a charity you feel strongly about? If you do and ever have an upcoming event you'd like to get the word out for - let me know. I have no problem sharing good information with my readers.