This Thanksgiving I spoke with a friend who told me that 2019 was a “year of transition” for her and 2020 will be her “year of transformation”. That sounds like a pilgrimage worthy of discussion. And what a great time to think about it. Thanksgiving just passed and the new year is rapidly approaching.
During the conversation with my friend, I surmised that she was not a resolution person, but more a strategic planner. She acknowledged that to be true. I proceeded to discuss with her the concept of “everyone has a gap”. She understood and said that her gaps were closing due to her intentional behavior.
Pilgrimage is often defined as a journey, especially a long one, to a sacred place. It can also mean a mission or a religious undertaking. What pilgrimage are you currently undertaking? Some journeys are physical in nature. Perhaps you want to improve health and fitness by exercise, healthier eating or tackling a challenge never attempted. I am an intermediate amateur cyclist and I want to participate in a century ride (100 miles) next year. Some trips are recreationally oriented. Perhaps your bucket list includes a trip to New Zealand (like mine) someday. Other pilgrimages are spiritual or intellectual in nature. There are plenty of places in the world to go on those types of excursions.
Whatever yours is, there are some good concepts to keep in mind such as: stay focused, be intentionally purposeful, don’t allow yourself to become easily discouraged, mark your progress and remember to celebrate your wins along the way.
Define your mission
I have often said that if you don’t know where you are going you can never be lost. The truth is, you will always be lost, because without knowing where you want to go, how can you know how to get there? My previously mentioned friend knows where she wants to go, or who she wants to become. That desire using the mantra, 2020 is the Year of Transformation is nebulous but still a measurable process. She will know if she has changed in the way she wants to and even if she doesn’t reach perfection, which she won’t, she will see progress if there is any progress made.
Stay focused
There are so many distractions in life that can derail a mission if you are not diligent and rigorous in your efforts to stay on task. Not that there won’t be needed changes, but ultimately if your vision and mission are worthy, stay the course and continue to do what is needed to close the gap between where you are and where you want to go.
Remain intentional
I know that I will have to train this winter and then when spring comes get into a rigorous schedule of cycling to prepare for a late August century ride. For some of you, that wouldn’t be a big deal, but you are surely more seasoned cyclists than I. Last year I met a woman who did three consecutive century rides. My butt hurt just thinking about that.
When your journey is set, stay the course and see it through. There may be setbacks along the way but simply take what you can from each of them and keep moving in your targeted direction.
Don’t get discouraged
This is big! More people quit because of discouragement than anything else. Remember that the one thing you can always control is your attitude. If you determine to not become discouraged, you may waver but never cave in completely. It is your choice and though circumstances, people, health and other obstacles may come into play, you are the only one who can stop yourself from being discouraged. Remember also that your eyes and ears are the inroads to your soul. Much of what is presented to you can cause you to be disheartened. You must protect yourself by monitoring what you will see and hear. Refuse to allow negativity to hijack your soul. Find a healthy source or sources to infuse you with hope, strength, and new life. Mentors, spiritual leaders, healthy reading material and encouraging friends are also good sources of attitude change when needed. Don’t fear asking for help!
Mark your progress
All goals should be measurable, even if like my friend’s. And when you make a little progress identify and acknowledge it. It is an upward step along your path to your destination. Your gap will close that much, and you can gain momentum from that. Anything worth attaining is an uphill climb!
Celebrate your wins
Feeling good about your wins and taking rewards is a positive thing for the work and potential sacrifice required for your journey. If you are on a health improvement kick, it is OK to have a slice of birthday cake occasionally. If I make significant progress with my cycling training, I will take a weekend off and go camping and hiking.
Good luck with your pilgrimage and do not forget to enjoy the journey. Take this with you -Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.