Enjoy the Process

Delight in the journey rather than the destination.

I’m saying this for myself as much as anyone else whom might wander in from the wild open ranges of the web– being creative is challenging. Whatever your pursuit might be, there is overlap in the human experience when it comes to pulling a shred of your soul free from the security of silence and presenting it to the world. Depending on your specific circumstances, you might have a larger audience awaiting the birth of your newest creative progeny, or you alone might bear witness to its existence.

The process from intent to thought, all the way to fully realized manifestation of your creation through the labor of love that no doubt transpired, is arduous and demanding in ways we might never be able to imagine, had we never felt compelled to pursue our creativity. I’m able to find myself grinding to a halt or trudging through a quagmire of concerns frequently on this unfamiliar path others have taken up the same mountain throughout the ages. Fair winds or steep inclines, the pressure and struggle is part of our right as creatives to experience. Some will never know the highs and lows we subject ourselves to, and words may fail to convey how isolated we can feel, as though we were alone in this trek shared by millions (or more).

Discipline and patience are sustenance through the lean times, but I should hope we are all capable of more than survival on our journeys. Countless others might carry us when we are fatigued to the point of exhaustion and frustration. Many share the struggles we endure, and life keeps thriving in the time we’re pushing forward. How sad it would be to reach the summit and forget the points in between. Moments of respite and beauty, love and unity, as well as challenges overcome.

If you’re weathering a storm or charging ahead, you’re still on a unique adventure. You may chart similar paths or have the hands of friends and family to pull you forward when you’re weak, but your mind and conviction determine your feelings and perspective about the experience. Pain and pleasure will visit you if you stay on the path long enough, both can be teachers in your next climb on the path to making your dreams reality. The mountain of work isn’t going anywhere, and the world is far more than a single peak.