I once rode in a bicycle event that took us past some pretty incredible sights. The space shuttle was clearly visible from launch pad 39A. Alligators lined the trenches on the side of the highway and we pedaled within a few feet of the largest known eagle’s nest.

 When the ride ended and we were packing up our gear, one rider exclaimed, “Wasn’t the space shuttle awesome?” One of the faster, more competitive rider responded, “what space shuttle?” He went on to explain he was so concentrated on finishing the “race”, he saw absolutely nothing except the backside of the rider in front of him.

 How sad! He missed out on some of the greatest natural and manmade wonders in Florida. I couldn’t help but ask whether he enjoyed himself. He answered gruffly, “what do you think? Cycling is not about enjoying yourself. It’s about winning the race.”

 Oh really? I don’t think he could ever have made a more incorrect statement to me. You see, I love to ride my custom-built Waterford touring bicycle. But I’m 54 years old. On my best day, I’d never cross the line first. I recognize that and went for the journey, not for the win.

 I had the joy and peace of having watched a white ibis walk along the shoreline, and a gray heron spread her massive wings and launch herself out over the marsh. I saw massive space technology sitting silently toward the heavens in the Florida wild. I can’t imagine missing out on that to cross the finish line before everyone else, even if I could.

 I’ve known writers who are so focused on what they decided was the finish line—publication—they completely forget to enjoy the journey. I urge you not to make that mistake. Here are a few things I recommend you consider:

 You’ll never pass this way again. It’s true. A dear friend just saw her very first novel on the shelves at Walmart. I’m sure she will see many, many more there, but she will NEVER again see her first one there. Fortunately, she embraced it. Soaked it up. Savored the moment. And of course, she took pictures.

 Crossing the finish line without having enjoyed the journey will leave you empty. It’s like getting the check, paying for the meal and tip without having gotten the food. Seriously! The joy is in the journey, not reaching the destination.  

You learn more from the trip than you will by reaching the end. Think about it in terms of your novel. What if the only thing you had in the entire book was “The End”. Not many readers would give you raving reviews would they? Why? Because you’d rob them of the excitement of the journey. They get to know your characters. Love them. Hate them. Walk with them for a while. They need the journey. So do you.

 Repeat after me, “It’s all about the journey”. Enjoy it. Learn from it. You’re writers will thank you for it!

  Reba J. Hoffman Member Care Coach 

 Reba J. Hoffman is the MBT Member Care Coach. She has a PhD in clinical counseling and is the founder and president of New Hope Institute of Counseling. Reba uses her gift of encouragement to help writers overcome negative emotions so they can live their dream of being a writer. Her works appear in publications such as Running for the Woman’s Soul by Road Runner Sports and The Good Fight by Donna Hicken. She is the author of My Book Therapy’s Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal. Contact her at reba@mybooktherapy.com.

So, what about your journey? What are you learning? Have you been too focused on the finish line? Email me your story at reba@mybooktherapy.com. I’d love to hear about it!