There are many of us who like to keep the destination in mind. There is always a red car on the horizon in our lives. It gives us something to work towards, a goal to head to, and a reason to keep doing what we're doing.

I know that it is contrary thinking in this age when there is much discussion of “enjoying the journey” and being present which I often write about here. However through my years of experience, I believe that a person can have a destination in mind and still enjoy the view getting there. (Tweet This)

For those of us destination seekers reading this, I think that you will agree.

- If your intention is to earn a number of degrees, you might have to give up at least the occasional pub night.
- If you want to run a marathon, you likely will have to tie up your running shoes even when you don’t feel like it.
- No one became honestly rich, without sacrificing something else, especially your ego.
- And we certainly can't stay healthy with a recipe of consistent TV binge watching accompanied with pepperoni pizza.It just doesn’t work that way, at least in my life.

I remember being a young teenager when I was questioned about what my plan was for the future. It was answered with some disdain by a relative that all I wanted was to be “happy”. I remember thinking in that moment, but that’s a good answer! I’m not certain why it was perceived as a problem, or whether my relative had any understanding of what a monumental task that is in each person’s life. A life’s practise for sure.

If happiness is our goal through the ups and downs, the straight roads, the curves, the detours and someone can still smile, is that wrong? Does that mean that they missed out on something? I think not. Destination and journey can all be rolled into one.

The most well-adjusted folks that I’ve had the privilege of knowing are not the ones who have had an uneventful life. They may have paid with tears, heartache, loneliness and despair but they have always held on to the golden nugget of their hearts. They have given up a lot of dreams yet they maintain seeing what is to come with optimism.

These folks have gone with the proverbial “flow” not knowing where they were being carried. They didn’t know what the journey would bring, but they did know that it would somehow work out, that they would be alright. Because they had a destination in mind.

When we are travelling down the road to whatever goal is on the horizon, keep an eye out for the happy ones. They have a lot to teach us.

They are the ones who see the swooping of the first kite in Spring and smile at the fluttering robin on a bare branch. Happy people always have their eyes ahead. Looking for the red car on the horizon. (Tweet This)

Some travel for the destination, some for the journey? Tell us about your trip. (Tweet This)