Part (2) of The Journey Is the End

“There was an idea… to bring together a group of remarkable people to see if they could become something more…”
Nick Fury shared this reflective monologue in a scene during the Avengers which led to the whole sequel of movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe- 11 years later (after the first release of Iron Man) and 22 movies later. It all comes to an end (the end game?). But I’m not here about the movie facts and all. Just a like that sequel, we have ‘sequels’ in life driven by different goals that we may have started at the beginning of this year. And driven by the end in mind, we made a personal pact with ourselves to do whatever it takes- I started this off in Part 1 of the journey.

The year is 2019. Yes this year. January 1st 2019. It may not have been on the first day of the year, but probably within the first month. We may have set ourselves goals, resolutions, objectives or whatever name we have for milestones in this year. How’s your year so far? How’s that going? Any wins or losses so far? Just here to remind you (and myself, of course) that we got the year started and it ain’t ended yet. We are half way through, but you know what not yet done. Along the way, I’ve been able to pick up a few learnings- two major ones I need to jot down lest I forget.

There’s a Japanese proverb, “Nana korobi, ya oki” which means “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” It means choosing to never give up hope, and to always strive for more. It means that your focus isn’t on the reality in front of you, but on a greater vision that may not be reality yet. Failing is not the end. It’s part of the journey. I started off the year with so much in mind. This year I am going to be better. Be better personally, mentally, physically, spiritually, socially and better up every alley. In some I honestly gave my very best. At the start of the year, one of the things I wanted to try my hand in (I guess in the literal sense) is writing. Of which, I have to admit it can be hard maintaining the same consistency that one starts with. A big applause to those out there putting in their creative juices through whatever skill. It’s never easy to keep up, but you try and that’s what matters. Through the year so far, learning that I am fallible and having to recover from that can be both breaking and humbling at the same time. It’s helped me get a better perspective and realize that when you are down, the only way is up. Side note: that’s why I love gravity…it keeps me down to earth!

“Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be. The measure of a hero is how well they succeed at who they are.”

Frigga (Thor’s mom), Avenger’s End Game

You are worthy and it’s worth it! Halfway through the year, you may feel like the goal or big dream is too huge. But isn’t that how dreams are supposed to be? Way bigger than our egos? Bigger than what we can fathom. I learnt something this year. So profound it will blow your mind! It’s simple: if you want your dream to come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up! More than ever, this resounded like a church bell in a high cathedral calling all saints and believers to action. It’s self doubt and passivity that has stopped me from jumping into action and instead left me just being comfortable with where I am. All the same, I’ve had to remind myself that I am worthy of every opportunity that comes my way and it is worth it. It was a dream so I woke up…and so should you!

Running out of words and ideas to write. Dealing with mental blocks from time to time. Getting the flu and saying you won’t manage to stick to your fitness rhythm. Sometimes it’s looking back at the past 6 months and counting on your fingers what you’ve done so far yet you don’t even go past your first hand. It’s more than that. It’s celebrating the small wins. Your life. Family. Your friends. Milestones. Small steps in the right direction (wrong steps you’ve also learnt from and walked in the opposite direction). It’s more about staying focused and strong willed. Month 6. June 2019. In retrospect, grateful for the year so far even with the highs and the lows.It’s still teaching me to dig deeper, create more, pen and pun. I am still on the journey though- hopping from one season to another. Every season comes to an end, to allow room for another to creep in. Part of the journey is the end, my friend, which we’re all still on.

“And you ask ‘What if I fall?’
Oh, but my darling,
What if you fly?”

Erin Hanson, author and poet

2018/19: Part of The Journey Is The End

You may (or maybe not) have heard this quote “Part of the journey is the end” from the trailer of Avengers: End Game, Marvel Cinematic Universe’ action, adventure and superhero sequel, Avengers. At this time, one of the heroes, Tony Stark, at a point of no hope sending out a message to a loved one. The roller coaster of emotions that one feels as Tony makes his last call to Miss Potts is inexplicable. Who would have thought that the “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” of a man would be put at the mercies of life’s hurdles and challenges- going without basic needs like food and water. Well, without going too deep into a fanboy’s feelings of a hero movie, let’s move on to the main point.

Tony Stark: Is this thing on? Hey, Miss Potts. If you find this recording, don’t feel bad about this. Part of the journey is the end. Just for the record, being adrift in space with zero promise of rescue is more fun than it sounds. Food and water ran out four days ago. Oxygen will run out tomorrow morning. That’ll be it. When I drift off, I will dream about you. It’s always you.
[he turns off the recording]…
https://youtu.be/ee1172yeqyE
 

So 2018 came to an end- and for sure it was quite a journey. It had its ups and downs, rounds and rounds an spins and curves. We have cried and laughed, loved and lost, fought and been beaten- still came out alive (I hope, yes?). I’m thankful for the year that has been and just how I have been forced to grow from the year’s experiences. We often say we get this “new year, new me” feeling at the start of the year. In contrast, maybe, I feel like every moment I was drowning in a sea of tears and fears and came out on the lifesaver alive- that was a new me! The new me came out when I had a problem to sort out and had to engage every part of my brain to come up with solutions. The new me was out there in 2018, everyday, accepting the things I couldn’t change, having the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. The new me was changing my mindset and growing up from small boy thinking to big boy reasoning. Yes. 2019 does have the new me, probably the working progress from the previous year. But yes…new me.

“…nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
Benjamin Franklin

When it comes to living out our lives, we each have one life to live. The sure thing we know is that life comes to an inevitable end. Before this existence comes to a halt, say we have choices to make on how to live out our lives. This was the same with the year, 2018. In the course of the year there were choices to be made before the year ended. The same will also happen in 2019…20..21…22…23…you get my drift, right? Say we live our best lives ahead of us making the best choices without being afraid of consequences or waiting for the perfect timing. Yes, there is room for being cautious and weary- but how long before the end comes and it’s too late to do a good deed or say something nice or chase a dream or start working on your mini-project or make an endless list of things that you need to do – like this one;).

2018 came to an end. 2019 began. The end of a year reminds me that each transition, every change from a start to end comes with its own repercussions. So I guess it’s about time for me to take responsibility for my choices, and to pursue my dreams with less fear and hesitation. You want to do something new? You want to go on a trip or adventure? You want to start that business next week or month? There is nothing to be afraid of. Ever. Go for it!

Celebrating New Year’s just one of the ways to remind us of the end- knowing that the new year will also have an end. Thus ends up being a reminder on the fragility of the one resource we have tied to not only our dreams but also family, friends and experience- TIME. Probably with this in mind, it would be easier for me to even untangle bad habits, confront my weaknesses, accept failures, celebrate successes and embrace the curve balls that come my way. The more I think about the end of 2019, like 2018, the more I see more opportunities before the year ends. The brighter the year seems, the more excited I feel within. Why? There is so much potential for an adventure ahead and part of the journey is…

That’s all folks!