"It is not the destination that matters, but the journey"

The heart of this saying is really about valuing the process of getting somewhere rather than just focusing on the end goal. It’s like saying, "Hey, don't just fixate on where you're going—enjoy the ride!" When we only think about the destination, we miss out on all the little moments, lessons, and experiences that happen along the way.

Historically, this idea has been around for ages. Think about ancient philosophers like Lao Tzu, who emphasized the importance of the path we take. It’s also a big theme in many spiritual and self-help traditions. Why? Because life’s unpredictable. You might head towards a goal and end up somewhere completely different, learning and growing in ways you never expected.

Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Imagine you're training for a marathon. If all you think about is crossing the finish line, you might miss out on the incredible transformation your body goes through, the new friends you make in your running group, or the mental strength you develop. One day, you might notice you're running a mile without feeling winded and think, "Wow, look how far I've come." That's the journey we’re talking about.

So, how can you apply this bit of wisdom? Start by setting goals, sure, but don't let them blind you to the present. Break your big goal into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrate those small wins. If you’re learning a new language, for instance, enjoy the simple pleasure of understanding a movie line or ordering food in that language—those moments are golden.

Imagine a scenario to bring this home. Think about a young woman, Sarah, who dreams of becoming a chef. She’s laser-focused on opening her own restaurant. She spends years in culinary school, works grueling hours in kitchens, all the while thinking, "Once I have my own place, I’ll be happy." But what if she took a moment to savor each step? She might find joy in creating a new dish, the camaraderie with her fellow chefs, or the delight of a customer loving her food.

We can all be like Sarah sometimes, so eager to reach that shiny goal that we overlook the beauty of everyday moments. Next time you’re working towards something big, take a moment—breathe. Look around and appreciate where you are right now. You’re not just heading somewhere; you're also someone in the making, shaped by every twist and turn on your path.

So, next time you're caught up in the hustle, remember: the journey is where life happens. Enjoy it.