The word journey is such an expansive word. This is because to each person it means a place they are getting ready to go that’s uniquely personal to them.
It usually brings to a head feelings of the unknown and which can be quite scary. But there is one amazing thing that it definitely does present. Opportunities for discovery and/or change!
A journey is a road traveled where you’re going to spend some valuable time.
You may or may not be prepared for a new journey. A new career, calling, move, child or relationship can all be exciting. On the flip side, one could also face new loss, separation, health challenges or means of coping that changes the dynamic of their entire life. So best believe there should be some careful consideration in approach when coming to terms with your path’s new reality. And especially before a hefty decision that could change things, hopefully for the better.
Whenever there’s a progression from one chapter in life to another, there are 3 questions to ask before starting your new journey-
1. IS MY NEW JOURNEY BY CHOICE?
Is this you and something you want? Are you being called and feel drawn towards a path you feel obliged to face? And why is it good to know the difference?
For starters, the common denominator is that both require acceptance to move forward. But what you want to understand is, if your journey is by choice, then you can choose to-
- Know your own reason to go
- Define it (what your idea is to do)
- And plan or prepare for it ahead of time before you actively move in it.
- Make sure you’re not satisfying someone else’s demands, opinions or requests
There is an advantage here. It is knowing that the new journey is approaching, which gives you the proper time to transition.
2. IS MY NEW JOURNEY A CIRCUMSTANTIAL CHANGE?
If there is no time for sudden abrupt changes but it happens anyway, take a deep breath….
This a great time to pray and ask God to show you why this may have happened and where to go next. We can absolutely trust him even though you can’t make sense of where you’re at.
Proverbs 3:5-6– Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
When the road ahead proves to be rocky, protect yourself, your heart and your spirit from the downward spiral. Do not give in by-
- Allowing increased self-pity
- Hammering yourself by fault, shame or guilt
- Deciding to let go of hope, to give up or to quit.
- Letting what’s out of control, control you
All of these directions you really CAN control with time, healing and the right future perspective. Seek counsel right away to position yourself with the proper support.
When your journey is an uphill battle, fight against the urge to feel your life is over.
IT NEVER IS– Life may change but life can also build you up, through and into a new place, with new desires, new hopes, new thoughts, and a new existence.
3. IS THERE A GOOD REASON FOR A SPONTANEOUS NEW JOURNEY?
Spontaneity can be the most adventurous of journeys. If you’ve ever taken the day off, taken an unexpected road trip for the day or agreed to volunteer yourself on the spot, it can be liberating. Why? Because you threw your second thoughts, precautions, and fears to the wind. Some of us could use this freeing experience after being stuck in a routine without any means of escape.
When you are spontaneous, you often feel like you are now “LIVING!”
Even though this can be an amazing jump-start to new journeying, be careful to –
- Use common sense and wisdom in your behavior that it is not dangerous, defiling or distasteful.
- That it doesn’t affect others or put them at a disadvantage
- That you are not seeking sudden change just to avoid more serious problems you should be facing
A new journey is meant to help you to meet the present, value the work in yourself this creates and walk in your good purpose. It is also meant to endure adversity and to share with others how to overcome!
So, when you approach a new journey don’t be afraid but be open to resetting your life’s course, starting over and experience newness. Allow God to guide you through and through.
A change of scenery brings about new emotions that can be quite healthy for you. Maybe it’s time you embrace your new journey.
It may never be good timing until you decide it’s as good a time as any
