MOVING FORWARD

Today was an absolutely beautiful day in just about every way imaginable. As I as heading to meet friends for dinner before choir rehearsal tonight, I thought about a message I had received from Gray earlier in the day saying he hoped everything was going well and that I was having a spectacular day. As I reflected on the day I thought to myself “this has been a perfectly peaceful day”. That is such an incredible, refreshing feeling to have a sense that things in life are falling into place.

While I could look back at the past, especially the recent past, and be filled with anger, resentment, and bitterness, I don’t. Instead, I am focused on where I am today, and am amazed at how each obstacle I’ve endured has made me a stronger person. I feel more peace in my life than I did three months ago. I have a greater sense of where I’m heading than I did three months ago. Worry was at one time my constant companion. Now, I see that worry is not productive. I’m not saying that from time to time, I don’t worry; but on the whole, I no longer dwell in a constant state of worry as I have at so many periods in my life. I used to think that worry would solve the problems, when it only made them worse. Just letting go and letting things happen is a far more productive activity.

Each day I live I feel a little more alive. I know that while I’ve been dealt a hand that is difficult, it is not impossible. I know that I am not alone in this journey called life. The dictionary defines journey as “a trip or expedition from one place to another” as well as “a process of development.” I think both of these definitions are perfect and appropriate, for in a journey, it is implied that you are in a continual state of moving forward, not backward, looking ahead, not behind.

Here’s my confession: What does moving forward even mean? Well, to me, it means not dwelling in yesterday’s hurts. It means living for today and making today count. It means working each and every day to be a better me. It means eliminating clutter—in many forms—from my life. It means finding ways to simplify my life, learning to love myself completely, and to follow the path to peace. Moving forward means using the lessons learned from yesterday’s successes or mistakes to propel me forward. Moving forward means setting attainable goals, creating realistic plans, evaluating my passions, and even purging that which is unnecessary in my life. If the journey of a thousand miles truly does begin with one step, then I’m ready to start walking, because I am excited about the beautiful life I now live.