The Highway and The Team

Hello blank page, it's been awhile.  I was on the highway again recently and my random thoughts started taking form.  I was thinking that the highway form and function can be symbolic of a team . . . . its direction, dynamic and success.  Start with the very basic concept that you merge on to the highway . . . . as you enter a team dynamic you begin by merging your talents and passions with the other team members; yielding to the "flow" of the team already in place (those already at full speed in their travel).  You all are headed the same direction at that point at differing speeds, but headed to a destination.  The journey begins as you all start heading in the same direction.  Team members moving at their own speed and other team members picking up their pace to compensate and adjust.  Gaps are filled in the flow by switching lanes (assisting in areas outside their own assignment).  Everything is good, the flow is moving along and things are being accomplished . .  moving toward the destination is underway.  Then, a traveler (team member) decides to take an off ramp . . .a break of sorts or an outright exit.  The flow of each traveler shifts and adjustments begin.  At the time of the exit the travelers (team members) shift lanes (cover assignments outside their own), adjust speed and compensate to the change in flow.  Consider when the traveler decides to abruptly exit, crossing over two or three lanes of traffic to get off the highway . . . .. a crash is highly likely and many travelers (team members) hit the brakes and re-evaluate.  Disruption is imminent.  In all the shifts, adjustments, merges and exits one thing remains . . . . . the destination.  The destination remains constant; it's your vision and the vision of the team to reach an end result.  Each traveler wouldn't be on the highway if they didn't know the destination and have a desire to reach it.  It's as simple as that. 

So, next time you merge onto the highway think about your team.  You are on a team whether you recognized it before or not.  Your team is with your spouse, your kids, your family, your work environment, your church or other organizations you belong to.  What you do affects your team.  Each merge, the speed of travel, lane change and exit creates the need for an adjustment by the others on your team.  Keep the destination in view, stay on the highway and travel safely.

It is the destination . . .really it is!

Wow. I decided to just do a random Google search because a friend asked me how to find my blog.  Okay, there are more blogs referring to "life is in the journey, not the destination" than my declaration that it is in fact all about the destination.  Here's why . . . the destination is FINAL!  And when you get there, wherever "there" is, you better have had an intentional journey.  Isn't this so true in everything from the final grocery bags in the trunk to saving money, raising kids and ultimately our final days on earth.  The journey to the end defines the end!  To say that "life" is in the journey is living only in the here and now, and that's partly what's wrong with our world now . . . .we just want to live life today without great regard for what it might mean for tomorrow . .. .or many years down the road. 

 For example, have you thought about your legacy?  That's one thing that can make me feel overwhelmed in a split second.  In parenting your little, little kids (or big kids, for that matter) you instruct them on "life lessons" to teach them better choices, family values and expectations.  All because you want the very best for them in their future relationships and responsibilities.  Sometimes it's years later that you get a glimpse of the "instructions" you gave to your six year old . . . and you say to yourself, "Wow, he was actually listening to me and cataloged that for later application to life"--or something like that.  You have to be very patient to see "the fruits of your labor" and some of them we will not get to see as they grow to live apart from us.  Again, it's about the destination and the journey has to be intentional, not just a daily whim. If you choose to live on a whim, then it's quite possible your sweet six year old will still be living with you at 46, and that my friends may not be real sweet.  Question for you:  How's your legacy shaping up?

Back to the grocery bags and saving money.  They definitely go together. The bottom line is you have to have a plan.  Lists are good and if you don't spend time preparing for the final destination (ie food in the pantry and all the recipe ingredients) then prepare to repeat the journey again and again . . .  that's why so many of us make multiple trips per week to the store.  I see friends in the store and we are all irritated by our "repeat" trip.  This happens to me quite often and I'm on the verge of creating some type of "inventory control checklist" for my house . . . I circled back to the store again today for garbage bags and toilet paper . . things "stocked" in the laundry room, out of my normal course of travel in the house.  That inventory control checklist would surely create a routine "walk through" to eliminate repeating the journey through the store for two more items.  And on Wednesday it will be two more . . . probably mayonnaise and hairspray.  At least this doesn't overwhelm me as much as the "legacy" thing.  The store wandering is mindless . . . a ha, maybe that's my problem . . .again, no intentionality in the journey.  Take home: do a walk through (reflect) and complete an inventory checklist (reality gut check), whether it's the groceries you need or the legacy you want to leave.  Don't be discouraged, start today anew.

Saving money is pretty simple . . if you desire to make life the journey; living on a whim and without intentionality, you will be "spent" and broke at the final destination.  Any questions?

Ultimately the journey will end at a destination and we will leave a legacy.  Live true to yourself to the very end.  Refuse to compromise for anyone or anything.  Be intentional, ALWAYS! One of my favorite quotes is by Oscar Wilde, "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken".  And remember, there is absolutely no one like you!

Live on purpose today. Everyday is a new day, thankfully!

Bonnie



And so it begins . . .

I start many of my journal entries that way.  Beginnings are fabulous aren't they?  Each day begins anew with the promise that it will be different from all the rest.  I love that!  I can look forward to each day with hope and new energy.  Man have I been wanting to be a "Blogger", and so it begins.  This post is to launch the blog--finally a place for all of my "mindanderings" . . . .root words "mind" and "wander".  You probably are wondering, "Why this title?".  Well, I finally identified where I seem to have the most creative energy, mindanderings and strategic mindlessness . . . . .it is on the highway driving alone.  I decided today that if you really want to hear your heart and soul speak to your mind, turn off the radio and hit the road.  The highway, for me behind the wheel, can be one of four things . . . .exhilarating (I like to drive fast), intimidating (unknown cities), exhausting (long distance) or reckless (too fast or furious, although I always maintain control :).  Today it felt completely exhilarating!  It's a good thing I drive a van because a small car would have resulted in pure recklessness.  The funny thing is that I don't have a speedometer that works right now in the van -- even more exhilarating! 

Creative thoughts today were flying at me On The Highway fast and furious.  All the great things I can't wait to blog about here.  I hope to give you something interesting to read, maybe a daily challenge, a life lesson I've learned, something I want you to reflect on or consider, encouragement and humor from my world, scholarly tips (if they aren't too boring, after all I'm trying to escape work), and anything you might ask me to write about (now that would be a challenge back at me--fun!).  I can't want to talk more about the Journey and the Destination.  I invite you to join me On The Highway.

Bonnie