Joy in the Journey

Finding joy in the journey, or enjoying the moment, has been hard for me lately.  I am constantly worried about the future and what tomorrow brings.  This is something that I want to change.  In the October 2008 General Conference, Pres. Monson gave a talk on this exact topic; Finding Joy in the Journey.  This talk is amazing and has really opened my eyes to certain things I need to do in my life to accept change and find joy in the journey.  

In the talk, President Monson States:

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."  

That last line hit me hard. " I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."  That is what I am doing right now, I am planning for that "illusive and nonexistent future" when I will get to do all the things I want to do.  Well, that time is NOW!  If I do not do that things I want to now, and make the changes I need to in my life, I never will. 

He also talks about how we need to remember to always say I love you and give those hugs we often forget.  When those people are gone, we will regret those moments we did not take advantage of in sharing our love.  

"Let us relish as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family.  One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."  

This is my new mantra!  If we do not enjoy the moments now, we never will!  

The last thing he talks about, which is another of my goals later in the year, is gratitude.  Being grateful is very important in learning to find joy in the journey.  If we are not grateful for the things we have, there is no way we can enjoy the here and now.  

I hope to being enjoying the little things in life, and finding joy in the journey- NOW!