True North

Some people believe that happiness comes when you arrive at your heart's destination.  Explorers call it true north.  But I think there's more happiness in the journey than in the destination.   That doesn't mean we don't need to have a destination in mind.  I think it's more about where we put our focus rather than always on the goal line.  

We still need certain goals to reach accomplishments, because we need that.  To establish our "true north" the first step is to decide what it is you truly want, either personally or professionally or both.  Be deliberate; establish daily routines and rituals to help you reach your goals.

Since I'm old and nearing retirement, that's one of my goals!  But there's nothing for me to actually do between now and then except to carry on, let time march on toward the end date.  At the same time, I can't just drudge through every day.  I need to have focus and find moments of happiness in my work day as well.  I tend to set small goals that can be accomplished, because accomplishing tasks makes me feel as if my day was productive, and that brings a measure of happiness as well.

In the mean time, I am doing all I can to focus on smaller things in life outside of work that bring me joy.  When I'm thinking about a photo challenge, the subject matter, the presentation, how to make it more interesting or photogenic, those small details, each step of the process can bring happiness -- if I choose to focus on it.  Knowing I'm creating something also brings me a certain amount of happiness.   Even something as simple as house keeping chores can bring you happiness, if you take a moment or two to actually appreciate the way things look when you're done! 

Don't bother with whatever is popular or pleasing to others.  It doesn't matter what others are thinking.  If it brings you a measure of happiness, then you're right on track to your true north! 

"It is good to have an end to journey towards;

but it is that journey that matters in the end."

-Ursula K Leguin