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It’s the Journey, Not the Destination

Lisa Eirene

About Lisa Eirene Lisa lost 110 pounds through calorie counting and exercise. She swims, bikes, runs, hikes and is enjoying life in Portland, Oregon. Her weight loss story has been featured in First Magazine, Yahoo Health, Woman's Day and Glamour.com.

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20 Comments

  1. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance

    Maybe it’s the combination and balance of both that makes things worthwhile and have the most impact. It’s interesting to reflect and look at both aspects–great post.

  2. Lori

    You can’t have one without the other. No journey – no destination. No destination is just a path to nowhere. I don’t even think I have arrived yet.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Interesting! Maybe I haven’t arrived either…good thought…

  3. Yum Yucky

    I think it’s both. The sweet success of reaching goal is so rewarding, but the journey itself is where life is actually happening. In the past, I missed out on lots because I didn’t stop to smell the roses. But I’ve got my nostrils wide open now. No way I’m missing out! ((sniff sniff))

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I missed out a lot, too, and still do. I tend to think about the future more than living in the moment.

  4. Carrie @ Season It Already!

    I wrote a post about the journey, not the destination a while back. I was giving it some thought. If life is a journey, what IS the destination? When we are finished? Death? Let’s celebrate life. 😉 The journey is more important.

    Great post! Cheers~

    1. Lisa Eirene

      That’s true, what is the destination? Death? That’s not very positive! Even more reason to enjoy the journey–even the hard parts.

  5. Beth @ Running with the Sunrise

    I think it’s easier to frustrated by setbacks if you just focus on the destination. If you accept that any big change or journey will include ups and downs, it’s easier to understand the process as a whole. That said, when you reach the end and meet your goal, it’s one heck of an awesome feeling. 🙂

    1. Lisa Eirene

      That’s very true and I think that’s why it was so frustrating when I got stuck in plateaus. I was so focused on reaching my goal, getting to that number, that I didn’t always enjoy the journey.

  6. Deb

    I think both parts are important, though I’m still on my journey. And as Lori said, they go together.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      And are you enjoying your journey so far?

  7. Trevor

    It’s all about the journey. But if you’re never getting any nearer to your destination then you’re just lost. And while getting lost is often just part of the journey, you must eventually find your way back — or you’ll likely stumble upon a house made of candy and end up getting baked in the oven.

    Hmmm . . . I seemed to have lost the point I was trying to make. Got candy on the brain.

    Oh well.

    Love that picture Lisa . . . it really does tell a tale of effort, struggle, and persistence. Please write a book. More people could do with a little inspiration.

    Cheers!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I think you are right, that’s why it’s important to be specific in your goals. Not just “I want to lose weight” but “I want to lose 50 pounds.” Something tangible, real, specific. It makes it easier (at least it did for me) having a specific goal to work towards.

      As for my book…it’s written, I have an agent, now I just need a publisher to take a chance on me!

      1. evilcyber

        Absolutely! Goals have to be measurable! Many of those New Year’s resolutions are vague (“I want to get fit”…) and that is why in opinion they so often fail.

        1. Lisa Eirene

          Vague goals never work. Specific! Specific! I tell people all the time. Then I make the same mistake. I say, “my goal is to go to yoga more often.” Vague! I should say “I will go to yoga once a week.”

      2. Trevor

        Holy crap! I can’t believe I missed this. You wrote a book? That’s freakin’ awesome! Let me know when it’s published. I can’t wait to read it.

        Have you heard of “A Life Unburdened” by Richard Morris? It’s about his journey in losing 150 pounds (or some impressive number like that). I found it powerful and moving. I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it.

        I expect your book will be one helluva tale as well.

        Cheers!

        1. Lisa Eirene

          I haven’t heard of that book. Thank you for the recommendation, looking it up at the library now!

  8. evilcyber

    When I finished losing weight, the feeling was “this really was it?” It was kinda hard to realize that I’m actually allowed to eat more again. For quite a while I was very hesistant about this or that being ok now 🙂

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I actually wrote a post a LONG time ago about that feeling…http://www.110pounds.com/?p=772

      I felt really lost once I reached goal weight. It was odd.

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