life is journey not a destination essay

Essay on Life Is a Journey

Students are often asked to write an essay on Life Is a Journey in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Life Is a Journey

The concept of life.

Life is often compared to a journey. Just like a journey, life has a beginning and an end. We are born, we grow, and we eventually pass away.

Paths in Life

In our life journey, we traverse different paths. Some paths are smooth, others are rocky. These paths represent the challenges and triumphs we face.

Travel Companions

On this journey, we are never alone. We meet people who become our companions. They help us navigate our path and make our journey worthwhile.

Lessons Learned

Life, like any journey, teaches us valuable lessons. These lessons shape us into who we are and guide us towards our destination.

In conclusion, life is a journey filled with experiences and lessons. Embrace the journey and cherish every moment.

250 Words Essay on Life Is a Journey

The metaphor of life.

Life is often compared to a journey, a metaphorical concept that demonstrates the progression of life from birth to death. This journey is not merely a physical one, but rather a voyage of self-discovery, personal growth, and understanding.

Unpredictability and Challenges

The unpredictability of life’s journey is what makes it thrilling and daunting at the same time. We encounter various challenges, obstacles, and detours that test our resilience. These obstacles can be seen as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow, shaping our personalities and perspectives.

Companionship on the Journey

Life’s journey is also marked by the companions we meet along the way. These relationships, whether they last a lifetime or a fleeting moment, can have a profound impact on our journey. They provide us with valuable lessons about empathy, love, and the importance of connection.

Appreciating the Journey

The journey of life is not just about reaching a destination. It’s about appreciating the journey itself, the experiences, and the growth that comes with it. It’s about understanding that each step, each decision, and each experience, positive or negative, contributes to our overall journey.

In conclusion, life’s journey is a complex tapestry of experiences, lessons, and relationships. It is unpredictable, challenging, and filled with opportunities for growth. As we navigate through it, we must remember to appreciate the journey, the companions we meet, and the lessons we learn. After all, life is not just about the destination but the journey itself.

500 Words Essay on Life Is a Journey

The metaphor of life as a journey.

The metaphor of life as a journey is a profound and timeless one. It illustrates the process of human existence, from birth to death, as a voyage filled with experiences, challenges, and learning. This metaphor encourages us to perceive life not as a destination but as a journey, where the ultimate goal is not to reach a particular endpoint, but to grow, learn, and evolve along the way.

Stages of the Journey

The journey of life is composed of several stages. Each stage represents a unique phase of our life, marked by distinctive challenges and opportunities for growth. The stages begin with childhood, a time of innocence and discovery. This stage is followed by adolescence, a period of exploration and self-definition. Adulthood comes next, bringing with it the responsibilities of career, family, and society. Finally, old age is a time for reflection, wisdom, and acceptance.

Challenges and Growth

Just as any journey is fraught with obstacles and difficulties, so too is the journey of life. These challenges, however, should not be seen as deterrents but as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. They provide us with the chance to learn about our strengths and weaknesses, to develop resilience, and to cultivate empathy and understanding towards others. Each challenge we overcome makes us stronger and more capable, shaping us into the individuals we become.

The Importance of the Journey

The essence of the journey metaphor lies in its emphasis on the process, rather than the destination. It teaches us to value the experiences and lessons we gain along the way, rather than fixating on a final goal. This perspective encourages us to live in the present, to appreciate our current circumstances, and to make the most of every moment. It reminds us that the journey itself is the reward, and that every step we take is a part of our personal growth and evolution.

The Role of Companionship

No journey is meant to be undertaken alone. Companionship plays a crucial role in our life’s journey. Our companions – family, friends, mentors – provide us with support, guidance, and encouragement. They share in our joys and sorrows, help us navigate through difficulties, and enrich our journey with their presence. Companionship adds depth and meaning to our journey, making it all the more worthwhile.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

In conclusion, life is a journey filled with stages, challenges, growth, and companionship. It is a voyage that provides us with countless opportunities to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves. As we navigate through this journey, it is important to remember that the value lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself. As we continue on our path, let us cherish our experiences, learn from our challenges, appreciate our companions, and above all, enjoy the journey. Because, in the end, life is not about where we are going, but how we get there.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Happy studying!

Life Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Ralph Waldo Emerson? Lynn H. Hough? Aerosmith? Anonymous?

Question for Quote Investigator: Ralph Waldo Emerson is often credited with the following:

Life is a journey, not a destination.

I’ve searched the RWE.org database without luck and did a text search through over 1100 pages of his essays. I believe this is a misattribution. Any insight you have into the lineage of this quote would be much appreciated.

Reply from Quote Investigator: An exact match for the expression above has not been found in the oeuvre of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Yet, Emerson did write a thematically related remark: 1

To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom.

This sentence suggested a psychological vantage point in which the intermediate advances of the journey were representative of the completion of the journey. This is arguably a distinct statement from the questioner’s saying which is listed in “The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs” without attachment to a specific person. 2

The earliest close match located by QI appeared in 1920 in a periodical called “The Christian Advocate”. The phrase was used by the theologian Lynn H. Hough within his outline for a Sunday School Lesson discussing a letter from Simon Peter. Bold face has been added to the phrase here and some phrases below: 3

He wanted his friends to realize that life is a journey and not a destination ; that the heart must be set upon those matters of character which are eternal and not upon those matters of sensation which pass away.

Interesting precursors of the expression were in circulation in the previous century. In 1854 “The Sunday at Home: A Family Magazine for Sabbath Reading” printed a “Page for the Young” with the following advice: 4

You should learn in early youth that your life is a journey, not a rest . You are travelling to the promised land, from the cradle to the grave.

In 1855 another religious text used a variant phrase and provided an explanation: 5

All life is a journey, not a home ; it is a road, not the country; and those transient enjoyments which you have in this life, lawful in their way,—those incidental and evanescent pleasures which you may sip,—are not home; they are little inns only upon the road-side of life, where you are refreshed for a moment, that you may take again the pilgrim-staff and journey on, seeking what is still before you—the rest that remaineth for the people of God.

A decade later the passage above was reprinted in a collection entitled “A Cyclopaedia of Illustrations of Moral and Religious Truths”; however, it was labeled ANON. 6

Here are additional selected citations in chronological order.

In 1920 “ life is a journey and not a destination ” was written in a book by the pastor Lynn H. Hough as discussed previously in this article.

In 1922 another variant of the saying was printed which emphasized an experiential theme instead of a religious one: 7

But we stupid mortals, or most of us, are always in haste to reach somewhere else, forgetting that the zest is in the journey and not in the destination .

In 1926 the trope was applied to the domain of love within a verse using eccentric capitalization: 8

LOVE To SOME men Is NOT a DESTINATION. It is just A FLIGHT OF FANCY . A RUSHING EMOTION between BUSINESS and AMBITION that Keeps them FOREVER ON THE HOP.

In 1929 an essay by a high school student employed a version of the saying with the word “success”. The words were enclosed in quotation marks suggesting that the adage was already in circulation: 9

You know, “ success is not a destination, but a journey .”

Yet another variant of the expression was in circulation by 1930: 10

Prof J. C. Archer of Yale University will speak on “ Religion a Journey and Not a Destination ” at the monthly “church night” gathering at Memorial church tomorrow night.

In 1935 a story in the Cleveland Plain Dealer presented a variant: 11

“Helen, somebody has said that happiness is a journey—not a destination . You have it as you go along. You’ve been very happy with two different people.

In 1936 the book “I Knew Them in Prison” by Mary B. Harris invoked two versions 12 of the adage at once: 13

Reformation, like education, is a journey, not a destination.

In 1937 another instance of the maxim about education was printed in a California newspaper: 14

Reporting on education, Mrs. S. G. Stooke said that education is a journey and not a destination , for we must keep developing.

In 1993 the rock band Aerosmith released the song Amazing as a single. The lyrics were written by Steven Tyler and Richie Supa, and they included an instance of the saying: 15

Life’s a journey not a destination And I just can’t tell just what tomorrow brings

In the 2006 movie “Peaceful Warrior” a character named Dan Millman was led on a three-hour trek to a remote location by his mentor, a character named ‘Socrates’ who embodied a wise man archetype. Millman was excited and happy during the trip because he expected to be shown something important and when he was shown a non-descript rock he was initially disappointed. But after reflection Millman said the following to Socrates: 16

Dan Millman: The journey… the journey is what brings us happiness… not the destination

Many of the examples above conform to the following flexible phrasal template. The linguistic term snowclone is used for these collections of related phrases:

X is a journey, not a destination

In conclusion, current evidence indicates that the phrase under investigation is an anonymous modern proverb that entered circulation by 1920.

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Jack Herring for his query on this topic. This question was constructed by QI based on his inquiry. Also, thanks to Dan Goncharoff for noting the relevant quotation due to Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Update History: On September 2, 2012 the 1844 citation for Emerson was added together with the reference to the film Peaceful Warrior. On February 27, 2024 the format of the bibliographical notes was updated.

1845 (Copyright 1844), Essays: Second Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Second Edition, Essay: II Experience Start Page 49, Quote Page 65, James Munroe and Company, Boston. (Google Books full view) link ↩︎
2012, The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs, Compiled by Charles Clay Doyle, Wolfgang Mieder, and Fred R. Shapiro, (Phrase: Life is a journey, not a destination), Page 142, Yale University Press, New Haven. (Verified on paper) ↩︎
1920 February 19, The Christian Advocate, The Sunday School Lesson, Conducted by Lynn H. Hough: First Quarter – Lesson IX – February 29, 1920, Quote Page 266, Column 2, The Methodist Book Concern Publishers, New York. (Google Books full view) link ↩︎
1854 December 7, The Sunday at Home: A Family Magazine for Sabbath Reading, Page for the Young: The Midnight Feast and Its Lesson, Quote Page 512, The Religious Tract Society, London. (HathiTrust) link link ↩︎
1855, The End: Or, The Proximate Signs of the Close of This Dispensation by Rev. John Cumming, Quote Page 392, John Farquhar Shaw, London. (Google Books full view) link ↩︎
1865, A Cyclopaedia of Illustrations of Moral and Religious Truths, Edited by John Bate, Second Edition, Section: Life, Quote Page 535, Elliot Stock, London. (Google Books full view) link ↩︎
1922, Roads of Adventure by Ralph D. Paine, Quote Page 404, Houghton Mifflin company, Boston. (Google Books full view) link ↩︎
1926 August 27, Richmond Times Dispatch, (Freestanding verse titled: “You Said It, Marceline” On “Flights of Fancy.”), Page 6, Column 4, Richmond, Virginia. (GenealogyBank) ↩︎
1929 May 12, Times-Picayune, Convent School Wins News Prize by Wide Margin: Third Prize Winning Essay by Irene Wadlington, Quote Page 26, Column 1 and 2, New Orleans, Louisiana. (GenealogyBank) ↩︎
1930 February 12, Springfield Republican, Yale Professor to Give Address, Page 8, Column 4, Springfield, Massachusetts. (GenealogyBank) ↩︎
1935 January 25, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Shadows in Paradise by Inez Wallace, Page 8, Column 4, Cleveland, Ohio. (GenealogyBank) ↩︎
2012, The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs, Compiled by Charles Clay Doyle, Wolfgang Mieder, and Fred R. Shapiro, Phrase: Education is a journey, not a destination, Page 66, Yale University Press, New Haven. (Verified on paper) ↩︎
1936 May 27, Christian Science Monitor, ‘I Knew Them in Prison’: Through the Editor’s Window by Millicent Taylor, (Book Review of “I Knew Them in Prison” by Mary Harris; Quotation about education is reprinted in the review), Quote Page 14, Boston, Massachusetts. (ProQuest) ↩︎
1937 December 8, San Diego Union, Civic Unit Warned of Dishonest Businesses, Page 7, Column 4, San Diego, California. (GenealogyBank) ↩︎
YouTube video, Amazing by Aerosmith, (Quote is sung at 2:04 of 6:50 minutes), Uploaded by AerosmithVEVO on Dec 24, 2009. (Accessed youtube.com on August 31, 2012) link ↩︎
YouTube video, Video excerpt from Peaceful Warrior (2006), Title: “‘It’s the journey, not the destination’ – Peaceful warrior”, (Quote spoken at 2:39 of 3:11 minutes), Uploaded by lordkostas on Jan 4, 2009. (Accessed youtube.com on September, 2012) link ↩︎

Why Life Really is a Journey and Not a Destination

January 7th, 2019

Ralph Waldo Emerson is often credited with the iconic cliche (made famous by Aerosmith in their 1992 hit single, Amazing), “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

In fact, Emerson never wrote those words. It’s possible what he did write was its impetus:

“To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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I’ve always hated the “Life is a journey” meme. Life is about the destination. It’s about where you finish. Did you win or lose? If it isn’t, what the heck are we doing all this work for? Maybe it was being raised in rural Upstate New York, watching my working-class parents show up and “Do the work” every day without any tangible improvement in our lives. Maybe it’s that as a kid, I never had a vision of what I wanted my life to be… other than better. I knew I needed to get out of my small town and anything beyond that seemed like gravy. That life could ever be about the painful grind of the “Journey” seemed a sentiment more suited for the privileged and self-indulgent. Then I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron in 2013. The Artist’s Way My reason for reading The Artist’s Way was how terrible I felt after committing to writing my first book, Content Warfare. I wanted the goal (or, in context, the destination) of publishing a collection of stories outlining the evergreen content marketing tactics and strategies I’d used to dominate my local marketplace. The problem was I had no idea how to write a book. The task felt overwhelming. My son, Duke, was only six months old, and I still had a full-time job at the insurance agency. There was no “Extra time” to sit and write a book. In The Artist’s Way, Cameron outlines her “Morning Pages” ritual (the daily practice of writing three unscripted stream-of-consciousness pages each morning). Cameron’s morning pages gave me a process, and the process gave me hope. “As you move toward a dream, the dream moves toward you.” ~ Julia Cameron

As crazy as this might sound, I’d never set a specific process against a goal before sticking to it. Not in sports, not in school, and certainly not at work.

It turns out cliche motivational advice can still be good advice.

Publishing Content Warfare wasn’t nearly as satisfying as the grind of producing the work. Writing a book is mentally and emotionally exhausting, but you also get the opportunity to open your creativity valve.

I forgot about writing a book.

I forgot about the deadline.

I forgot about what other people might think about a certain idea.

I just wrote.

Every day I wrote.

Slowly, word by word, page by page, day by day, I began to find enjoyment in the process of writing.

This hasn’t always been the case.

Early on, the joy of writing was publishing. All I wanted to do was hit publish. I couldn’t wait. I wanted to see my work live. I wanted others to engage with it and send me those little gratifying hits of dopamine we’ve all grown to need.

The crap I’ve published to have something new to share… ugh. But those five grueling months, grinding through Content Warfare, changed everything.

Now it’s all about the process: from research to narrative design to adding supporting media and editing. The process is satisfaction.

Today it takes me twice as long to publish an article as it did when I started writing.

At face value, it feels like the opposite should be true. But this is the dirty little secret of writing, as you mature into the skill, writing doesn’t become easier or faster.

You hold yourself to higher standards and demand more from the articles you share with the world. And it is through relenting to process doing the work that I finally came to understand the cliche, “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

SOLUTION: NO MORE GOALS

When we focus on the goal over the process, we open ourselves up to fear and doubt.

“The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.” ~ Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

We put the goal on a pedestal. As James Clear writes ,

Winners and losers have the same goals.

Winners fall in love with the process (the journey).

“The opposite of fear is love — love of the challenge, love of the work, the pure joyous passion to take a shot at our dream and see if we can pull it off.” ~ Steven Pressfield, Do the Work

Winners fall in love with the process because that’s all they can control.

In a recent episode of Tim Ferriss’s podcast , Jason Fried, founder of Basecamp, shared his perspective on goals:

“I don’t have any goals. I’ve never had any goals. Goals are not something that I pay attention to. I just sort of do what I feel like is the right thing to do in any given situation.”

Fried went on to explain:

“For me, I don’t want to compare myself to an idea I had two years prior of where I wanted to be. I don’t know where I’m going to want to be in two years. So, to set a goal that’s long-term, in some cases you’re actually setting it for who you are when you set it versus who you are when you’re going to get there.”

Goals are made up.

Worse, they’re made up to fit who you are today or who you think you may want to be. Neither of which is who you will be when you get there.

Instead, I recommend giving James Clear’s Compass Theory a try:

“The problem with a treasure hunt is that most people spend all of their time thinking about the treasure. The fastest way to get to a particular spot, however, is to set your compass and start walking. The idea here is to commit to your goal with the utmost conviction. Develop a clear, single-minded focus for where you are headed. Then, however, you do something strange. You release the desire to achieve a particular outcome and focus instead on the slow march forward. Pour all of your energy into the journey, be present in the moment, be committed to the path you are walking. Know that you are moving unwaveringly in one clear direction and that this direction is right for you, but never get wrapped up in a particular result or achieving a certain goal by a specific time. In other words, your goal becomes your compass, not your buried treasure. The goal is your direction, not your destination. The goal is a mission that you are on, a path that you follow. Whatever comes from that path — whatever treasure you happen to find along this journey — well, that’s just fine. It is the commitment to walking the path that matters.”

Using Clear’s metaphor, if your goal drives motivation, you’re leaving yourself open to lose course, lose hope, and ultimately never find the destination you seek.

However, by always focusing on the compass, you can easily adapt and adjust course as needed, staying true to the process.

Consistent forward progress for the win.

Worry about what you can control: the quality of your work and how often you produce that work.

These form the foundation of your process.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t set goals, don’t get all messed up about them.

Instead, focus every ounce of your energy on what you’re doing to get there.

It is amazing that a worn-out cliche, such as “Life is a journey, not a destination,” can be cemented at the center of so much truth.

Ryan Hanley

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Why Do We Say, ‘Life Is a Journey Not a Destination’?

No one else will live the same life as you because there is no one like you. Therefore, we say “life is a journey, not a destination” because it reminds us that life is an ongoing journey of learning and growing.

A common saying spoken is “life is a journey, not a destination.” This is a very popular phrase that is used across the world. If a person hears this saying often or it becomes overused, it can lose its effect.

The phrase “life is a journey, not a destination” is meant to be impactful and encouraging, but why do we say this phrase?

The Journey of Life

The poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, is credited with the phrase “life is a journey, not a destination.” These words are true because life is a journey, not a destination. Life is an ongoing journey. A destination is a place you arrive at or an endpoint.

Life has no arrival or final destination. Life is an ongoing journey and adventure. Throughout our lives, we are going to be constantly traveling, maturing in our faith, and growing older.

When we are living our daily lives, it is important that we step back from the hectic rush of life and truly enjoy the journey. Our journeys in our lives help us grow into the people we become.

In our Christian walks, we need to be striving to include Jesus in every aspect of our journeys of life. The Bible tells us we are only pilgrims on this earth. C. S. Lewis often spoke about how we as humans are only pilgrims passing through on our way to be with the Lord.

Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our lives are our journeys, yet our final destination is heaven.

During our earthly lives, we will never land at our final destination. As long as we have breath in our lungs, God still has a purpose for our lives.

God is constantly telling individuals throughout the Bible to “go” ( Matthew 28:18-20 ; Genesis 12:1 ). Throughout our lives, God wants us to keep going and to share the gospel with others as well as to disciple them and help them grow in their faith.

The Christian faith is truly a journey, and it is a hard one. Many individuals believe after one becomes a Christian that their life will automatically be made all better.

While life does get better after becoming a Christian because you know Christ, it does not automatically fix all of your problems.

In other words, the Christian life is a hard journey filled with many ups and downs. John Bunyan’s novel The Pilgrim’s Progress does a fantastic job of illustrating the journey of life for a Christian.

The journey of life becomes extremely difficult at times, but God walks with us through every step ( Psalm 23 ). In our own pilgrimages, we need to lean on God and trust Him.

He truly does know what is best and we can fully trust Him. We have nothing to be afraid of because God loves us, and He will direct every step of our life if we allow Him ( Proverbs 3:5-6 ).

The Final Destination

The final destination of our lives lies in our own hands. Our eternal fate lies before us. It is up to us whether we decide to accept Jesus or not.

Throughout our lives, it does not matter how many “good deeds” we do if we do not know Christ. Our goodwill never outweighs our bad. Paul tells us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ( Romans 3:23 ).

As human beings, we need to carefully examine ourselves and see if we have placed faith in Christ. We can have amazing lives by our own standards, but if we don’t know Christ and we never lived for Him, our lives would not be pleasing to the Lord.

The world tries to tell us that our final destination is our job, finding the right spouse, or buying a huge house, but that’s not true.

This way of thinking causes individuals to have an incorrect view of life as they will always be striving for their “final destination” rather than living the journey of their life for Christ.

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It is a dangerous business to live our lives for ourselves and neglect Jesus’ influence in our lives. As Christians, it is important to know that our final destination is with Christ in heaven, but the journey of life is just as important.

The journey of our lives is beautiful and if we live our lives for Jesus, we will have the most joy in the Lord and we will make a difference for His Kingdom.

Why Do We Say It?

We say “life is a journey, not a destination” because life is the journey and through life, we learn and grow into the people we become. This phrase can also be used to tell loved ones when they are going through a difficult time in their lives.

We need to remember that our lives are a journey and there will be highs and lows. There will be sunny days full of happiness and there will be days of rainstorms and pain.

The beautiful thing about life’s journey is that it is ongoing, and we are constantly learning and growing with every breath we take — through the smiles and the tears.

As we grow older, we can reflect on the past and see just how far we have come in our journey, and look ahead to our continued journey of life. The journey of life continues until we are in the presence of the Lord.

God has created each of us uniquely with a unique purpose for our lives. Throughout our lives’ journey, He is going to have us complete His purpose for our lives. Even when our journey gets hard, we don’t need to give up.

Instead, we need to keep traveling through our pilgrimage ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 ). In your own personal life journey, stay focused on Christ and keep your eyes fixed on Him. The Bible tells us,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross , scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God ( Hebrews 12:1-2 ).

Jesus knows life gets arduous, which is why He wants us to come to Him ( Matthew 11:28-30 ). Turn to God today, trust Him, and rely on Him in your daily pilgrimage.

Life is a beautiful journey, and we need to take in every second of it. Our time with our loved ones is precious and every second matters.

It is easy to take life for granted until it slips out of our reach, or we are faced with a terminal illness. In your own life, serve God through the journey and He will lead you exactly where He needs you to be and what He wants you to do. Your life is beautiful and unique.

For further reading:

What Is the Meaning of Life?

The Non-Linear Christian Life

Is it Biblical ‘Where God Guides, He Provides’?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Ben Taylor

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. » Expansion of Ideas » Life is a Journey, Not a Destination

Expansion of an Idea – “Life is a Journey Not a Destination” for Students / Teachers / Parents

Here we explore the age-old saying, “Life is a journey, not a destination”. Here, we delve into the idea that life is a continuous process of growth and self-discovery, rather than a final destination to be reached.

In today’s world, we are often encouraged to focus on achieving specific goals and milestones, such as earning a degree or landing a dream job. However, we believe that the true value of life lies not in reaching these goals, but in the experiences and lessons learned along the way.

There is no doubt that life is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery, and that each moment is an opportunity for learning and growth.

Life is a Journey Not a Destination

The proverb “Life is a journey, not a destination” reminds us that our lives are not just about reaching our goals or achieving success. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of appreciating the journey and the experiences that we have along the way.

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Justin Morgan

Journey vs. Destination: Why Life is a Journey, Not a Destination

Personal Growth . 7 Min. Read . By: Devon Brown

W ith your permission, I’d like to tell you a story. A story that perfectly illustrates why, when it comes to the "journey vs. destination" conversation, the journey is in fact the more important of the two.

I heard or read this story somewhere a while back (at least I think I did).

I may have come across it in a fitness magazine several years ago, but it’s been so long that I’m going to have to make up the name of the main character and fill in some of the details as I see fit.

Think of this story like one of those “based on a true story” movies. The names and characters may not be real... but the lesson sure is.

Heck, even the picture further down in this blog post is just one I found online that illustrated the point of the story perfectly… but hell if I know who the woman in the picture actually is (LOL) .

You may be wondering why I’ve decided to tell you such a story (given that I can‘t even remember where I heard it in the first place).

Honestly, it’s because I love you and I want to get a really important point across to you about “Journey vs. Destination” .

Besides, if me telling you an “Edutaining” (educational + entertaining) story gets you to have a positive shift in the way you understand life... then I’ll take it!

Not to mention the fact that I’m willing to bet you a clean, crisp $100 bill, that not only is the essence of this story true, but it’s probably happened dozens of times.

Truth be told...

The purpose of this story is, in part, to get you to understand the importance of NOT achieving your goals.

“But, Devon” you say ... ” I thought that I was supposed to have goals and strive to achieve them.”

Yes, you are. But you also need to understand something about the journey you take when you strive to reach your goals.

before picture of Mary unhappy with her weight

(image source: Body-Buildin.com )

Just like Mary.

She had a goal (she also had a little lamb... HA! – just playing)

But in all seriousness...

Mary hated her weight...

So she set a goal (a.k.a. “destination”) to lose 20 pounds.

She started going to the gym, working out hard, lifting weights, eating right, and all that other stuff you’re supposed to do.

Week after week, Mary stuck to her plan.

But week after week, she found that the weight just would not come off.

But she didn’t give up (because she was committed to her goal).

Every time she stepped on the scale and didn’t like what it said, that just strengthened her resolve to work harder.

But after six full weeks of doing EVERYTHING she was supposed to do, the EXACT way she was supposed to do it, Mary hadn’t lost a single pound.

She was just as far away from her goal (destination) as the day she began.

Now, let's stop here for a moment...

Sometimes the Journey is Better Than the Destination

Mary’s goal was to lose 20 pounds, right?

She took the actions she was supposed to take, right?

But she wasn’t moving any closer to her goal.

Now, be honest. Would you, at this point, have given up on your weight loss goal?

Well, if you would have given up, then you would’ve missed the gift that would’ve been discovered had you continued the JOURNEY .

Why Human Beings Must Embrace the Journey...

You see, what Mary discovered after six weeks of working out, is that her body is able to build muscle really easily.

So, while she was in fact losing fat, she was also, simultaneously, gaining muscle (but her weight remained the same because muscle is more dense than fat) .

In essence, the scale was lying to her.

The scale kept reading 138 lbs. (63 kg)…

But her body composition was completely different. Heck, on some days she even weighed MORE than her original weight.

Her body was in fact transforming, and it was becoming clearer not just when she looked at herself in the mirror, but in the compliments and attention she was getting.

Noticing the changes to her body, Mary decided to stop looking at the scale, and embrace how easily she put on muscle.

A few months later she entered one of those fitness/figure competitions and took home 1 st place!

Today, she regularly competes in fitness competitions and is in love with her body (as she should be).

She weighs MORE than her original body weight, and to this day she never reached her goal (destination) of losing 20 lbs.

(Image Source: Body-Buildin.com )

Life Lessons From This Journey vs. Destination Story

The point of this story is to get you to understand the REAL reason the journey is more important than the destination, and the point of setting goals .

The point of setting goals is NOT (necessarily ) to reach the goal. This is what most other websites and “gurus” miss.

(Besides, reaching the goal itself is often anti-climactic.)

PAY ATTENTION: Because what I'm about to share with you is the "SEXY" of this article. (Note: The “ SEXY ” is the main point/essence/big life-changing idea that you can take an apply to other areas of your life )

The Real Point Of Goal Setting Is Two-Fold

FIRST - The point of goal setting is to go through the process of growing as a person. That growth can ONLY be achieved by working towards a goal.

SECOND - The point of goal setting is to uncover new realities, truths, and new goals along the way. In other words, the purpose of goal setting (and taking action towards said goals) is to expose the gifts found along the JOURNEY .

Let Me Put It Another Way:

It’s like starting at point “A”...

Heading towards point “B” (your initial goal)...

And along the journey, you discover point “C”, an even awesomer destination than point B, but one that you couldn’t see when you were at point “A”.

life is a journey not a destination illustration

Re-read the above statement, 2 or 3 more times… It’s the KEY to everything!! That is the SEXY!

Mary’s “goal” (her destination) was never to be a fitness competitor. It was to lose weight.

So, she started working hard towards that goal.

Along the way, she discovered a new path (one that she would’ve NEVER seen had she not embarked upon the journey toward her original goal).

Think about it…

Did Mary ever reach her original goal? Did she reach her desired outcome?

She failed miserably at it.

But in doing so she found a greater gift .

Funnily enough, that gift was found in her weighing MORE than she thought she wanted to weigh.

(Let that sink in for a moment!)

My Personal Journey vs. Destination Example...

I remember back in 2014 when I set a goal for myself of opening an office and managing a sales team that generated $300,000+ a month in sales.

I launched my company, did $100,000 in sales the first month, hired a business coach and a dozen new employees, and started marching towards my goal of $300,000 a month.

9 Months later I was broke.

I worked hard toward my goal but “failed” miserably at it.

But in my failure I discovered something.

I discovered that I had ZERO desire to run a sales team, work out of a “real” office, or do any of the other mess I was doing.

I also discovered that making six figures a month isn’t all it’s cracked up to be - if you have to exchange it for your happiness and sanity.

That failure caused me to change my entire business model.

Along the JOURNEY , I discovered what I really wanted my life and business to look like.

So, I downsized.

I sub-leased my office to another company.

I went from 12 employees to 5.

And I set it up so that everyone could work from home.

The end result…

I was 10X happier!

I hope it does.

And I hope that now when you hear people talking about "the journey vs. the destination", you understand exactly why people say the journey is the more important of the two.

Journey vs. Destination Quotes

I often like to end my blogs with a quote that inspires and motivates my readers.

In this case, the whole article is based on a famous quote.

life is a journey not a destination quote card

So, instead, I'm going to share some fun history on that very quote...

Ralph Waldo Emerson is often credited for the famous quote, "Life is a journey, not a destination."

However, an exact match to that quote in his works has not been found.

The Actual Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

Ralph's closest related remark that he wrote goes...

"To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

The closest match is actually from a 1920 periodical called "The Christian Advocate" that wrote:

"He wanted his friends to realize that life is a journey and not a destination; that the heart must be set upon those matters of character which are eternal and not upon those matters of sensation which pass away." -Lynn H. Hough

Other 'Journey Better Than Destination' Quotes

"Success is not a destination, but a journey." -anonymous, 1929
"Happiness is a journey, not a destination." -1935 story in the Clevelan Plain Dealer
"Life’s a journey not a destination and I just can’t tell just what tomorrow brings." -1993 Aerosmith song, Amazing

Basically, no one really knows who first used the words "life is a journey, not a destination" but it's good advice regardless. That's clear from the many iterations of the quote over the course of generations.

The life lesson is this: set goals to help move you forward, but enjoy the journey.

Never forget that life is a journey that teaches us along the way. Be prepared to adjust your path and go with the flow as you find new meaning and better dreams you couldn't predict.

How to Start Your Journey

The first steps of your journey should lay your foundation with a healthy mindset and a clear idea of the habits you need to form. Establishing those habits will be your true goal, just like establishing healthy habits ended up being Mary's true goal.

By the way...

If part of your journey includes a desire to become a better public speaker, or be more confident on stage, click the button below for a special free gift.

Your free gift!

This Free Report Shows You How To Eliminate Stage Fright In Just 30 Seconds

The Life I Choose

Creating the life your heart desires and living the life you choose

Life is a journey – not a destination

Ask any productivity coach about the importance of goals, and they will surely tell you that without them, you are doomed to mediocrity. Doubtless, goals are important, as they help to maintain our vision and drive. Perhaps because of this, however, we often get fixated on end goals or outcomes in life, rather than concentrating on the journey. But life is a journey – not a destination, and the journey, not the end goal, is the point.

Life is a journey

Many of us approach life in much the same way as we approach a day trip to a major city. I live in the North East of England, and to spend a day in our capital city (London), requires a train journey of around 3 hours. It’s a trek I don’t make very often, as I have a strong pull towards the open countryside, but when I do (perhaps because of its rarity value), I always see the train ride as an exciting part of the day.

I spend the time enjoying the journey, looking at the passing ‘world’ through the window, eating, drinking – and chatting (unless I am travelling alone). The day out begins when I leave the house in the morning, and it’s all to be enjoyed, not just whatever has drawn me to London in the first place. However, I have noticed that I am a rarity in this regard, as often my fellow train travellers seem almost unaware of the journey itself, filling the time with sleep, entertainment or work. Of course – I’m making a comparison here – and fully understand that there are times when a train journey is needed as catch up time, or workday office space.

I’m not making a judgement at all – just creating a picture of how we often approach life. How many time do we think or say – “I will be happy when…” or “I’ll deal with this when…” and so on? For me it’s often “I’ll lose weight when…” We miss the journey because our eyes are fixed on the end goal that we hope will come along and change our life for us. But happiness and problem solving doesn’t lie in the destination, it comes through the process of embracing the journey.

Taking a road trip

Journeying through life is more like a road trip than a train journey. I’ve been on a few extended road trips – twice overland from the North of England to Romania, and once driving my son and two of his 17-year-old friends around Europe. All were wonderful experiences, but the travelling was a fully integrated part of the whole. This was partly because each leg of the journey was simply a stepping stone to something else and also I think that any element of “Are we there yet?” would have driven us mad! The end destination of a road trip is actually home, which marks the end of the trip. So to with life; the end destination is death, which also ends the journey.

Life is a journey where ever day has the potential for covering new ground, seeing with fresh eyes, exploring new territory, learning and growing. This was just how it felt to be on the road trips. Somehow we seem to settle into “Life – the commuter train journey”, same old, same old, all too easily. If I have one overriding goal in life it’s to maintain the road trip potential in my everyday, and that’s why I use a lot of journeying language.

Not a destination

Fixating on end goals and outcomes, even small ones that crop up every day, can be a technique that helps us feel organised and in control. However, no human need has ever been fixed by an outcome – it is the process of choice and change within us that brings us growth and healing. And that’s why life is a journey, because without the journeying we become stuck and frustrated.

Of course I do set intentions and goals, but I see them as sign posts or stepping stones. They help me to keep on track, or overcome obstacles, but I never let them become my destination. I want to be able to practice choice and change every day, and I want to be able to grow and evolve and all importantly, change my mind and direction when I feel that’s right for me.

If you want to share my journey and find practical help for your own, try my Daily Insights email subscription.

Photos public domain from pixabay

Essay on Life in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Life has been bestowed upon us by the almighty and we all must value it. We should be thankful for all that we have and try to improve ourselves each day to build a better life. Technically, life is associated with feelings, growth and evolution. Like the plants have life because they grow; humans and animals have life as they feel sadness, happiness and they too grow.

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The journey of life may not always be smooth but we must keep going and stay positive all the times. Life is the most precious asset on this planet and must be protected irrespective of its form and appearance. Every species, not only humans, have a fundamental right to live their life, I whatever way they desire. Life is a gift of God to humanity and any attempt to disrupt or damage it will have undesirable consequences.

Long and Short Essay on Life in English

Here we have provided Long and Short Essay on Life in English, of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam.

These Life Essays are written in simple and easy language so that they can be easily remembered and can be presented when required.

You can choose any life essay as per your interest and need and present it during your school’s essay writing competition, debate completion or speech giving.

Also Check: Essay on Life on Mars

Short Essay on Life in 100 words – Life is Beautiful but Not a Bed of Roses

There is a lot of stress all around us these days. Most people complain about problems at office, issues in relationships and the growing competition in various fields. People are so engrossed in dealing with these issues that they don’t see the real beauty of life. There is so much more to life than these things. In fact, if we look at life closely, we will realize how beautiful it is. God has given us an abundance of everything. This is evident when we look at the nature. The trees, plants, rivers and sunlight – everything is in abundance and so is the energy that resides within us. This is the beauty of life.

However, this is not to say that life is a bed of roses. It is not! The problems and concerns of people are genuine. The rich, the poor, the educated, the uneducated, the beautiful and the not so beautiful – everyone has his/ her on set of problems. Life is not easy for anyone. However, we need to understand that this is how life is. If everything came easy we would not really value it. Life is beautiful in its own way and we should look for reasons to enjoy it and embrace its beauty amid the issues we are dealing with.

Essay on Life in 200 words – Challenges and Goals

Challenges are a part of life. We face different challenges at different points in life. While some people look at these challenges as an opportunity to learn something new others get disheartened and succumb to them. We learn many new things as we take on different challenges. These experiences make us a better person. We can overcome many challenges by setting goals. Goals give us the determination to achieve despite the hurdles.

Also Check: Speech on Aim of My Life

Dealing with Challenges

Challenges require us to get out of our comfort zone. These can be difficult to deal with. However, we must deal with them with courage and determination. Here are some ways to deal with the challenges in life:

No matter what the situation is we must deal with it calmly. We shall be able to think of a solution and act upon it only if we stay calm. If we stress about it continually we shall not be able to act wisely.

Stay Determined

No matter how hard the situation gets, the key is to stay determined and keep going. We must not give up half way.

Seek Help from Family and Friends

There is no harm in seeking help from family and friends whenever there is a need. However, we must not depend upon them completely.

Set Goals; Give Purpose to Life

It is important to set goals in life. We must set both long term and short term goals for our personal as well as professional life and work hard to achieve them. Goals give purpose to our life. To set goals, we must first understand what we want in life and then make a plan to achieve it. We must always set a time frame for achieving our goals.

While challenges take us through new experiences and make us stronger, goals help us stay focused. Both challenges and goals are important in life.

Essay on Life in 400 words – It is a Precious Gift

Life is a precious gift. It must be handled with care. We must be thankful to God for sending us on Earth and giving us such beautiful surroundings to live in. We must also be thankful to God for making us physically and mentally fit to live a wholesome life. Not just human beings, the life of animals, birds and plants is equally precious and we must value it too.

Also Check: Essay on Importance of Friends in our Life

Appreciate Life and Express Gratitude

We must appreciate the good in our life and express gratitude for the same. Many people are not happy with the way things go on in their life. They criticize almost everything and everyone around and develop a negative outlook. They need to understand that the fact that they have been given a life to live is in itself a big thing.

The fact that they are in good health is a reason to be thankful for. The fact that they are able and can work hard and make their life better is another reason to be grateful. They must appreciate what they have and be thankful for it. Everything else can be achieved with some effort.

Don’t Waste Life

Many people indulge in bad habits such as smoking, drinking and taking drugs. The havoc created post consuming these can be a threat to their life as well as the life of those around them. Many people drink and run over their car on innocent people killing them or injuring them badly. They even hurt themselves during such incidents. Besides, all these things have a negative impact on a person’s health.

They incur serious health problems over the time thus ruining their lives as well as the lives of their family members. They must understand that life is precious. We can lead a purposeful life and add value to it or waste it and end up in a mess. Many people realize this much later in life mostly after incurring a major problem. It is too late then and they cannot go back and relive their life properly. We must value this gift called life when there is still time and tread the right path to enjoy it.

God has given us a chance to live and enjoy the beauty of the nature. Life is a precious gift and we must all value it. We must express gratitude and stay positive to make the most of this gift given to us. We must also value the lives of those around us.

Essay on Life in 500 words – It is a Journey not a Destination

There is a mad rush all around us. In schools, offices, businesses and even in households – people are running around, chasing different things and trying to achieve things as fast as they can as if they are about to miss a train. This eagerness and restlessness to get somewhere is what they pass on to their kids too and it goes on and on. Where exactly do we want to reach? And how will we feel when we reach there? We need to slow down and ask ourselves these questions.

We must understand that life is a journey not a destination. This means that we need to go through it slowly and calmly enjoying every moment and making the most of it rather than rushing through it.

Also Check: Essay on Importance of Good Manners in Life

Find Happiness in Little Things

We often overlook the little things in life and keep chasing the bigger things believing they will give us happiness. While achieving our big dreams and goals does give us satisfaction however it is the little things in life that bring us true happiness. These are the things that bring a smile to our face later in life. For instance, parents keep telling their children to behave nicely, study dedicatedly and sleep on time.

They do all this to inculcate discipline in them. They want them to focus on their studies so that they can choose a good stream and build a rewarding career. They believe that all this will help them get a good life partner and build a happy personal life too. They have good intentions but are they really doing good to their children? In a way, no as they are stealing the precious moments of their lives that could be spent more joyfully.

Enjoy the Journey of Life; Don’t Rush Through it

The first twenty years of a person’s life are spent in mugging up their chapters and attempting to fetch good marks. Children are repeatedly told that they can enjoy once they get a good job. When they get a good job, they are asked to work hard to get to a good position in the company. Then they are told that they can enjoy their life after they reach a certain position.

When they reach a good position in the company, they require working hard to maintain the position. It is also time for them to plan a family and fulfill various responsibilities. They are then told that they can live peacefully and enjoy life once they retire. No one even thinks that they will not be left with the same enthusiasm, energy and zeal to enjoy life when they enter that age.

Life is happening now. We must enjoy it here and now and not wait to reach a certain position or phase of life to start living the way we want.

It is important to set goals and work hard towards achieving them. We must also set deadlines for our goals, stay focused and utilize our time wisely to achieve the desired result. What we should avoid is to rush towards them. We will come across many new things as we head towards our goals. All these will make us stronger and wiser. We should allow ourselves to see and experience these new things and learn from them rather than rushing towards the goal.

Also Check: Speech on Life

Long Essay on Life in 600 words – True Value of Life

We all have just one life. We are here on Earth for a limited period of time and do not know when our time will end. We must thus make the most of the time we have. We must do good deeds, help as much as we can, appreciate the beauty around us and stay positive. We must value life and be grateful for all that we have as not many are lucky to have the kind of life we do.

True Value of Life by Philosophers

Different philosophers, scholars and literary people have defined the true value of life in different ways. As per poet Henry David, “There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it.” “The true value of a human being can be found in the degree to which he has attained liberation from the self”, said Albert Einstein.

On the other hand, Myles Munroe states, “The value of life is not in its duration. You are not important because of how long you live, you are important because of how effective you live.

Identify the Purpose of Life

Different people indulge in different activities each day. Some people study, some do the household chores, some work on business plans, some work for an employer and some just enjoy and vile away their time.

Some people accomplish more than one or two of these tasks each day. They keep working on these tasks day in and day out and may take a break on the weekends. They may plan a holiday for a day or two or roam around locally to rejuvenate but as the next week begins, they start with their routine tasks yet again. Whether they like it or not they keep slogging every day as they feel that this is what they are meant to do.

However, this is a wrong perception. These daily tasks are just a way to survive in this world. We study, tidy our house, cook food, go to work and earn money just so that we can live comfortably. This is not our real purpose of life. It does not add value to our soul.

God has sent us on this Earth with a purpose. We need to identify this purpose and work towards achieving it. Once we know the purpose and successfully achieve it, we must then understand how it can help those around us and look for ways to assist them. Each one of us has been bestowed with a special power or gift. We must share it with others to make the world a more beautiful place to live in.

Count Your Blessings

We must value everything and everyone in our life. Nothing in our life should be taken for granted. We must value our parents, our siblings, our friends, our job, our house, our belongings and everything God has bestowed on us. And above all, we must value our life.

We must be grateful to the almighty for giving us the ability to take care of ourselves. We must always look at the positive side of life. We should count our blessings and value them. God has given us so many things to appreciate and we must thank him by helping those around us. We must help them live a better life.

We are born to serve humanity and make this world a better place. We must be thankful for all that we have and stay humble. We are all blessed with some unique power. Our purpose is to identify it and use it for uplifting ourselves as well as everyone around us. This is the true value of our life.

Essay on Life FAQs

What is the life essay.

Life essay talks about experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout life's journey, shaping perspectives and values.

What is life short notes?

Life in short notes is a summary of moments, emotions, and discoveries, capturing the essence of our existence briefly.

What is a life essay?

A life essay delves into the meaning, purpose, and significance of existence, exploring individual perspectives on living.

What is life in 10 lines?

Life is a blend of joy and sorrow, moments of growth, connections with others, learning from experiences, and striving for happiness.

What is the essay of student life?

The essay on student life discusses the experiences, challenges, and learnings during the academic journey, shaping character and knowledge.

What is life an essay?

Life as an essay reflects on the chapters of existence, covering diverse experiences, emotions, and lessons learned.

What is life for a student?

For a student, life is about learning, exploring interests, facing challenges, making friendships, and preparing for the future.

Why Happiness Is A Journey And Not A Destination

by Christian

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We are committed to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in our content. Every statement made on our website is meticulously fact-checked and supported by authoritative studies.

I’ll be happy when …..

Affective forecasting in science, a little happiness every day vs a lot of happiness at once, creating your own happiness, active anticipation vs happiness, enjoying the journey and the destination, closing words, happiness as a goal in life.

We often talk about happiness as a goal — something to be attained, like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The problem with this approach is that we forget to enjoy the present moment. There’s nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself, but if you think achieving a certain goal will finally bring you happiness, you may be in for a disappointment . One reason is that the predictions we make about how we’ll feel in the future aren’t very accurate.

When I was studying psychology at university, one of our professors asked us at the beginning of the course to fill out a survey. Several of the questions had to do with what grade we thought we’d get, and how we’d feel if we got a better or worse grade. At the end of the year, after we received back our grades, we were asked to note our emotional response.

It turns out that almost all our predictions were incorrect. Those of us who got a better grade than we’d predicted at the beginning of the year didn’t feel as happy as we thought we would – and those of us who got a worse grade didn’t feel as bad as predicted!

The ability to accurately predict our future emotional states is called affective forecasting and it turns out that humans are pretty bad at it . We make consistently bad predictions about how we’ll feel:

When a relationship ends
When we do well in sports
When we get a good grade
When we graduate from college
When we get a promotion
Just about anything else

There are a couple of different reasons why we’re so bad at this, but two of the main ones are because we usually overestimate how intensely we’ll feel an emotion and for how long .

Another important reason we’re bad at predicting our emotions is that we usually fail to take into account the complexity of future events. You might think you’ll be happy when you get a promotion – but you may find yourself over-worked, with too much responsibility and not enough time.

Finally, this study found that the more people equate goal-achievement with happiness, the more they’re likely to be miserable when they fail to achieve that goal. If there’s a lesson to be learned from poor affective forecasting, it’s that you shouldn’t count on specific events to make you happy.

Another reason why it’s not great to put all your happiness eggs in one basket is that your happiness depends more on the frequency of happy events , and not the intensity.

In other words, it’s better to have lots of little happy moments than one or two bigs ones. Not only this, but research has shown that happiness from individual events doesn’t actually last that long . And it turns out that one of the best ways to prolong feelings of happiness following an event is to relive what it is that made you happy .

These three studies together tell us something very important about happiness: you should try to maximize the number of small, happy events in your life as much as you can.

Why is happiness a journey and not a destination? Because whatever you think is the destination, it probably won’t make you as happy as you’d like, and you may end up miserable if you don’t get there. It’s better to enjoy little events along the way.

I came across this cute and clever meme today in the gym. Maybe you’ve seen it.

It got me to thinking that one of the reasons why lots of people are unhappy is because they go out looking for happiness, rather than cultivating it in their lives. In a previous article, we explained how happiness is an inside job – it’s something that you can build up from the inside, without having to resort to external sources.

One overview of the paradoxes inherent in seeking happiness came to this conclusion:

Happiness is pursued indirectly as the by-product of meaningful activities and relationships.

While the reasons are manifold (and a bit complex), it looks like “searching for it everywhere” is just about the worst way to go about it. Maddeningly, this study found that valuing happiness as an end goal or destination may “lead people to be less happy just when happiness is within reach.” Finally, when we’re focused on happiness as a destination, we end up feeling like we have less time to enjoy it . So if happiness isn’t a destination we can find and get to, how do we create it?

Well, I already mentioned one article, but the Learn To Be Happy Blog is full of advice based on real-world examples and research on how to cultivate happiness in your day to day life. Some examples include journaling for self-improvement , spreading happiness to others , and (of course!) being physically active . There are lots of ways to create happiness in your life, and studies have shown it’s a lot more effective than looking for it.

Why is happiness a journey and not a destination? Because you may never find the destination, in which case you’ve got a long, long journey ahead of you. So enjoy it! When you get happiness from the journey, you can stop looking for it elsewhere.

Happiness on the horizon

I love facts. Did you know that we share 50% of our DNA with lettuce? Or that a piece of paper folded 42 times would reach the moon? (Turns out you can’t fold a piece of paper more than 8 times. Sorry NASA).

Well, here’s another one of my favorites: people are typically happier planning vacations than after going on them .

In fact, the anticipation of an event is often more enjoyable than the event itself, and we’re happier looking forward to it than we are remembering it. Why is that? Well, it’s due in part to what we talked about in the first part of this article, affective forecasting. We overestimate how much a vacation or some other event will make us happy. But we love imagining it, planning it and getting excited about it!

This is called active anticipation and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the happiness journey. There are lots of ways to practice active anticipation of an event – you can journal about it, watch movies or read books in a similar vein, or do research on things to do. The important thing is to enjoy the process as much as you can.

This also means you’ll be happier if you always have something good on the horizon, whether it’s a trip, a play, a dinner with friends, or just a nice meal at the end of the week.

If that seems contradictory to the first two interpretations of Happiness as a journey, remember to focus on active anticipation — take as much pleasure as you can in planning the details.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself at the party! But it does mean that you should try to enjoy planning it too. Don’t attach your happiness to the upcoming event. You can look forward to the event without saying to yourself, “I’ll finally be happy when I go on vacation”, or “I’ll finally be happy when I see my friends!”

The point is to enjoy all of it – the journey there and the destination.

Why is happiness a journey and not a destination? Because the journey can be a lot more fun than the destination itself, and if you take the time to really enjoy each step along the way, you’ll spend more time being happy. Having something to look forward to helps you be happier in the present, which means that the journey is never really over. When you reach one destination, just keep on trekking!

💡 By the way : If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I’ve condensed the information of 100’s of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here. 👇

This Cheat Sheet Will Help You Be Happier and More Productive

Thrive under stress and crush your goals with these 10 unique tips for your mental health.

We’ve seen a number of different ways that happiness is best thought of as a journey and not a destination. It turns out that people are happiest when they have something to look forward to, when they enjoy the steps that take them there, and when they don’t attach too much importance to individual events.

On the flip side, focusing on happiness as a destination to be found or reached, putting all your hopes on big life events, and aiming for one or two really happy moments rather than a series of little ones, are all things that can make you less happy. It turns out the cliché is true: happiness really is a journey, one to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Now I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Have you experienced things similar to what I discussed in this article? Did I miss something? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Academic researcher and writer with a passion for statistical analysis, neuropsychology and mental health.

2 thoughts on “Why Happiness Is A Journey And Not A Destination”

Great article. I was a very unhappy person when I was younger and it took me a long time to realize that happiness was up to me, not up to the world or people around me. Now, I look for things to be happy about every day. It has changed my life.

Thanks for sharing, Sherri!

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Why happiness is a journey, not a destination (and 5 ways to enjoy the ride)

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Instead of striving for happiness through end goals or objects, try cultivating day-to-day well-being. Because, as Calvin Holbrook explains, science shows that happiness really is a journey and not a destination.

'Happiness is a journey, not a destination’ is an often-heard saying, and many people would argue that the search for well-being is the greatest motivator of all humankind. But does this motto really hold true? And what does science have to say on the subject?

The expression suggests that humans shouldn’t believe that reaching a certain life goal will award them with happiness. The destination in question could be one of numerous end-points we're often striving for in life: that dream job, buying a first home, meeting the perfect partner, or snagging that huge pay rise you've been working so hard for.

RELATED: Money can't buy happiness (except when you spend it like this!)

Chances are if you do reach one of your destination life goals, you may indeed feel happier – but only temporarily. Why? Because of our happiness set-point .

Happiness journey vs destination: set-point

Our set-point largely determines our overall well-being, and all of us have different levels. Therefore, those with higher set-points will be happier most of the time compared with those that have a less joyful outlook (due to their lower set-point).

Going through our life journey, we oscillate around this set-point. Unhappy life events shift happiness levels below their set-point while positive or exciting events boost your happiness levels above it.

RELATED: Is happiness genetic?

However, sooner or later, when that event becomes normalized or changes, happiness levels return to the original set-point (for example, when we feel the 'holiday blues' after coming back from the high of a recent holiday).

Likewise, once you reach your supposed happiness destination, it may not last, or something may get in the way of the perceived happiness you thought it would bring. For example, after getting what you thought was your dream job, you actually discovered it brought you a lot of negative stress due to the additional workload (and your demanding new boss). That dream new apartment you bought? Well, the noisy neighbours upstairs are doing their best to destroy your peace. Just met your 'perfect' partner? You'll soon discover all the things about them that drive you up the wall! Well, you get the picture.

“Chances are if you do reach one of your destination life goals, you will indeed feel happier – but only temporarily.”

Additionally, at some point these final destinations may dissolve all together. Indeed, as the only consistent thing in life is change, believing that happiness is a destination rather than the journey itself makes little sense. In fact, this pursuit of happiness – the constant desire and drive to achieve things we believe will boost our well-being and joy – often ends in disappointment (the so-called ‘ happiness trap ’. )

Improving your journey to happiness

As discussed, according to Lyubomirsky, our genetic set-point is responsible for around 50 per cent of our happiness. The remainder depends on our circumstances (10 per cent ) and our life activity (40 per cent).

However, some studies suggest that by changing our day-to-day life activity – focusing on our journey and not a final destination – we can boost our internal set-point to a higher level and become happier. Indeed, there are many smaller, everyday activities we can choose to improve our general well-being. So, here are five that you can employ right away.

Studies show we can fix our happiness set point higher by helping others. In fact, according to one — analyzing data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Survey – the trait most strongly linked to long-term happiness increases is a regular commitment to altruism. It showed that the more compassionate we are, the happier our life journey seems to be. RELATED: The benefits of kindness

This was backed up by another study by Sonja Lyubomirsky published in the Review of General Psychology in 2005. When she had students perform five weekly acts of kindness over a period of six weeks, they noticed a significant increase in happiness levels compared to a control group of students.

2. Practise gratitude

Cultivating gratitude is scientifically-proven to increase your happiness journey, and is one of the simplest life changes you can make as it requires little effort.

“As the only consistent thing in life is change, believing that happiness is a destination rather than the journey really makes little sense.”

According to a 2003 report in the journal of Social Behavior and Personality , grateful people tend to appreciate simple pleasures (defined as "those pleasures in life that are available to most people”). Indeed, a study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies showed that writing a daily or weekly gratitude journal can make finding happiness easier.

3. Meditate

Starting your day with just five to 10 minutes of meditation will help you to develop your happiness. Try meditating in the morning shortly after waking: the immediate heightened inner clarity it will give you will set you up for the rest of the day.

And, according to Psychology Today , meditation is the strongest mental practice that has the power to reset your happiness set point, thus turning you into a more joyful person: regular meditation practice can literally rewire your brain so you can become happier.

4. Build quality relationships

If happiness is a journey and not a destination, then it’s the people that are with you on your journey that can make all the difference. Science is clear on this: you can find and maintain happiness through developing quality relationships.

Humans are a social species and need regular contact. In a 75-year, multigenerational study , Robert Waldinger measured happiness levels in people from Boston’s poorest neighborhoods. He found that the most joyful were those with high-quality social connections.

5. Choose happiness

Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse who devoted her career to working with end-of-life patients, found a theme in those coming to the end of their lives: they has a deep regret about not ‘letting’ themselves be happy. Ware, the author of The Top Five Regrets Of The Dying , penned a blog for the Huffington Post , in which she wrote:

“Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice . They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives.

“Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again ... Life is a choice. It is your life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness .”

RELATED: Cherophobia – the fear of happiness explained

Conclusions

All to often we are led to believe that by obtaining goals or possessions we will feel happier. But the reality is – and science agrees – that when we reach those destinations, our happiness levels quickly return to their original set-point. Indeed, happiness often leads to success, but success does not always lead to happiness. Instead, research shows that the best way to maintain consistent well-being is to focus on the everyday changes you can make in your life, with altruism, gratitude and quality relationships being important factors: happiness really is a journey and not a destination.

In fact, research in the field of positive psychology has shown that happiness is a choice that anyone can make. As psychologist William James put it, “The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude.” ●

Main image: shutterstock/Olga Danylenko

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Posted August 16, 2021

Reminds me of the verse by Alfred D. Souza that goes:

"Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.

But there was always some obstacle in the way, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.

At last, it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.

HAPPINESS IS THE WAY.

So treasure every moment you have and remember that

time waits for no one."

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Posted June 24, 2021

Happiness is a journey. I am not sure if I agree with the picture. However, I agree with the point made in the article. Happiness is not a destination that you reach, and then it's all sorted. The picture of the journey still implies a destination, and that's what seems wrong to me. I'll keep thinking of an image that resonates better with me.

Posted May 11, 2021

Such an interesting article, and I think it's always important to remind ourselves that happiness is a journey, not a destination. It's so easy to think you'll be happy once you've reached a certain goal, but the most important thing is really to enjoy the journey you are on and look for happiness in the smallest thing along the way. Don't compare yourself to others!

Posted October 5, 2020

The purpose of this letter is to express my appreciation for sharing your valuable insight into personal growth. Its articles like “Why happiness is a journey, not a destination (and 5 key ways to enjoy the ride)” which gives those who are struggling hope for the future, as it pushes them to keep fighting their depression. I admire your view on happiness and your explanation of how it is a journey and not a destination. I also appreciate that you have provided readers with an amazing set of healthy coping strategies such as being kind and practicing gratitude. As when a person is depressed and/or anxious it may become very tempting to turn to unhealthy coping strategies such as drugs or alcohol to provide an ‘easy way out.’ However, these unhealthy coping mechanisms provide temporary happiness and will end up making them feel worse in the end. I thank you for taking the time to provide those who are struggling, with healthy and natural ways to bring themselves some relief.

Posted April 30, 2019

Nice article

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Happiness.com » Magazine » PERSONAL GROWTH » Why happiness is a journey, not a destination (and 5 ways to enjoy the ride)

While our friends in the Southern hemisphere are enjoying springtime… we had to change our clocks this weekend in Europe to „normal time“, which is kind of a reminder that it is mid-autumn in the Northern hemisphere. And the stormy weather we had during the weekend confirmed it too!

When I discovered the word JOURNEY, I was fascinated by it. I still am. When I saw it in a school book the first time, I assumed that it was the translation of the french word „journée“ (day) but from the context, I understood that JOURNEY could mean something bigger. It felt a bit abstract but could also mean a trip I was taught. The word has in fact the same etymological root as „journée“, still its definition is not necessarily limited to a 24-hour period. That’s why I like this word. It makes me dream, it gives me wings, it opens unknown possibilities. Well, maybe I made my own romantic definition of the word… If you like it, you can adopt it too ;-).

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: „life is a JOURNEY, not a destination“. I think we need to be reminded of this once in a while instead of all the time running from one destination to the next, from one project to the next, from one report to the next, etc. As human beings we do like to divide a whole lifetime in smaller amounts of time maybe to have a better grasp of these smaller time intervals: decades, years, quarters, months, weeks, days, hours, seconds… The mathematicians with their structured way of thinking 😉 also made sure that numbers would help us to keep track of these different time intervals. Maybe we would be disoriented otherwise, who knows?

„Life is a JOURNEY, not a destination“ can be interpreted as a healthy balance between doing and being, between planning and letting go, between producing results and going through the required processes. Our society with its speed in production, information, travelling, etc. teaches us that it is possible to get something/anything in the blink of an eye. So we become impatient when it takes too long to get that something. All the while we forget to look around us for e.g. a friendly encounter, a helpless fellow, an inspiring act of generosity… all these small things that can give an adventurous touch to our lifes and even enrich our path if we are open to it.

If each of us would share our life’s JOURNEY, we would all have different reference points because we all made different experiences. Some will explain time periods as „before X and after X“ because X was a key experience, something that strongly defined their life. Others will have reference points related to the many destinations they have reached, to the various jobs they have been holding, to the children they have, etc. There are no rules for these reference points. When I was a kid, I thought the most important reference point was going to be at 18 – the age that was going to officially split childhood and adulthood. And I had the impression that once an adult, my life would be set (and perfect!) forever: a job, a house, a partner, children, etc…

While there was nothing wrong with that (again!) romantic view, I realised that the courageous, surprising, brave, unpredictable twist of the JOURNEY was not included. And over the years, I also learned that we have a lot of freedom to shape our own JOURNEY! Of course, it means that it brings along responsibilities (we are adults after all ;-))… and also happiness if we allow it. In the different roles that we hold (parent, boss, sports coach, sibling, employee, etc.), we inevitably support and influence people around us on their own JOURNEY. Still it is important to stay on our own path. With that I mean: please refrain from the temptation to fix someone else’s JOURNEY. If you believe that’s your destination to happiness… I’m sorry to say that the opposite may just happen.

And when we decide to look at our own JOURNEY as a whole, we put together the seconds, the hours, the days, the weeks, the months, the quarters, the years and the decades together. And I like to think that all these time intervals just „flow“ into each other. They don’t „run“ into each other. So there is no need to rush from one destination to the next!

I want to wish you a „bonne journée“ on your life’s JOURNEY!

Inspiringly yours, Caroline

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Essay On Success Is A Journey Not A Destination

Are you looking for the “Essay On Success Is A Journey Not A Destination” Then you have come to the right place.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Success is a concept that holds different meanings for different individuals. While some perceive success as a final destination, a fixed endpoint to achieve, others argue that success is a lifelong journey rather than a static goal. In this essay, we will explore the idea that success is indeed a journey, highlighting the reasons behind this perspective and discussing how embracing the process of growth and learning can lead to a fulfilling and sustainable sense of achievement.

In a world driven by quick fixes and instant gratification, the notion of success as a destination has gained considerable popularity. Society often portrays success as reaching a specific goal, such as acquiring wealth, attaining a high-status position, or achieving recognition. This portrayal can create the illusion that once these milestones are reached, one has “made it” and can rest on their laurels. However, this perspective must acknowledge the dynamic nature of success and the importance of personal development.

Embracing the Journey

A. Continuous Learning and Growth

Success is not a singular stop but rather a lifelong process of learning and growth. Each step towards a goal, no matter how tiny, provides an opportunity for self-improvement and personal development. By embracing the journey, individuals can adopt a growth mindset, which enables them to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and resilience. This mindset fosters the motivation to keep moving forward and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

B. Building Character and Resilience

Success is not solely measured by external achievements but also by character development and resilience. The journey toward success allows individuals to cultivate essential qualities such as perseverance, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles. These qualities serve as invaluable assets, enabling individuals to navigate the complexities of life and pursue new goals even when faced with adversity.

Appreciating the Process

A. Celebrating Milestones

While success may not be solely defined by reaching a destination, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the milestones along the way. These milestones are markers of progress and provide a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the belief that success is within reach. By recognizing and appreciating these minor victories, individuals are motivated to continue their journey toward achieving their long-term aspirations.

B. Finding Joy in the Pursuit

The process of working towards success can be fulfilling and enjoyable in and of itself. It allows individuals to engage in activities they are passionate about, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. By shifting the focus from the end goal to the present moment, individuals can find joy and satisfaction in the journey, enhancing their overall well-being and fulfillment.

Overcoming Challenges

A. Learning from Setbacks

One of the inherent aspects of a journey is encountering obstacles and setbacks. These challenges provide valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, individuals on the path to success see them as stepping stones toward success . They analyze their mistakes, adjust their strategies, and develop resilience to overcome future hurdles.

B. Adapting to Change

The journey to success is a challenging path. It often requires individuals to adapt to changes in circumstances, technology, and societal dynamics. Those who recognize the fluid nature of success are better prepared to adjust their plans and embrace new opportunities. They possess the flexibility to explore alternative routes and approaches, maximizing their chances of achieving long-term success.

Personal Growth and Fulfillment

A. Self-Reflection and Discovery

The journey toward success encourages individuals to engage in self-reflection and introspection. It encourages them to examine their values, passions, and aspirations, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves. This process of self-discovery aligns their goals with their authentic selves, increasing the likelihood of achieving genuine fulfillment.

B. Holistic Development

Success as a journey encompasses more than just professional or financial accomplishments. It emphasizes the importance of holistic development, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Individuals on this path prioritize self-care, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing relationships, and pursuing personal interests. They understand that true success extends beyond external achievements and encompasses a sense of overall satisfaction and contentment.

Learning from Experience

A. Wisdom through Experience

The journey toward success provides a wealth of experiences that contribute to personal growth and wisdom. Each encounter, whether positive or negative, offers valuable lessons and insights. Individuals who view success as a journey recognize the significance of these experiences and actively seek to learn from them. They extract wisdom, apply it to future endeavors, and continuously refine their approach.

B. Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

Failure is an essential phase on the road to success. Rather than fearing failure, those who understand the journey’s nature embrace it as an opportunity for growth. They recognize that failure provides valuable lessons, reveals weaknesses, and pushes them to improve. By reframing failure as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint, individuals bounce back stronger, wiser, and more determined.

Inspiring Others and Making an Impact

A. Sharing the Journey

Seeing success as a journey allows individuals to inspire and uplift others. As they navigate their path, they share their experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for growth. By openly discussing their challenges and triumphs, they motivate and support others in their pursuit of success. This sense of contribution adds meaning to their journey and creates a ripple effect of empowerment.

B. Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Success as a journey extends beyond personal gain and positively impacts the world. Individuals on this path strive to leave a lasting legacy through their work, philanthropy, or the relationships they build. They understand that success is not solely about personal accomplishments but also about creating a positive and enduring influence that transcends their journey.

The essay on success is a journey not a destination concludes that success should be regarded as a journey rather than a destination. Through continuous learning and growth, individuals can build character, resilience, and valuable life skills. Appreciating the smaller milestones is important in finding joy in pursuing success. By overcoming challenges, fostering personal growth, and learning from experience, individuals achieve fulfillment, inspire others, and make a lasting impact. The journey toward success is transformative; embracing it can create a meaningful and fulfilling life. So, let us embark on our journeys towards success, embracing the challenges and triumphs ahead and relishing every step of the way.

‘Gasoline Rainbow’ Review: We’re on a Ride to Nowhere

This semi-fictional tale of a road trip for weirdos is full of joy.

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A group of teens walk along an empty dirt road, wheat fields, windmills and telephone poles beside them.

By Alissa Wilkinson

The thesis of “Gasoline Rainbow,” the latest cinematic fantasia from the brothers Bill and Turner Ross, is articulated in its first moments, in voice-over set atop a sunset. “Sometimes when I look at night, I see that light over the hills, and I just wonder what it’s like … to be there,” a youthful voice says wistfully. The speaker wants to know if they’re alone in being who they are — a “weirdo,” as they put it. “I want to be out,” they continue. “I want to be myself, I want to be accepted. I want to be loved for who I am.”

Technically we’ve not yet met this person, but that doesn’t matter: We know them. The misfit outsider is a familiar character in movies and literature, and often possesses some wisdom that people trapped in the more conventional daily grind can’t see. There’s a tiny bit of the prophet in every outsider — and, of course, all prophets are outsiders.

“Gasoline Rainbow” is a technically fictional tale of five such misfits who get in a car and go on a journey toward the Pacific Coast. I say “technically,” because like much of the Rosses’ work, there’s not much separation between reality and make-believe. Their previous film, for instance, the 2020 sorta-documentary “Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets” sets up a scenario — the final night at a Vegas dive bar, on the eve of the 2016 presidential election — and populates it with real drinkers, who have a real rager on camera. But the bar itself wasn’t technically closing, it wasn’t in Vegas and these people weren’t regulars there. What, you might ask yourself, are you watching?

You are watching people figure out how to live at the end of the world, how to relate to one another and find joy in the middle of loss and uncertainty. Whether or not the scenario is staged, the human heart of it is absolutely real. “Gasoline Rainbow” is a little like “Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets,” in that the five teenagers at its center, playing versions of themselves, are looking for a “party at the end of the world” that they’ve heard about. But mostly they are there to be with one another, and it’s obvious their real personalities are part of the story.

The five travelers — Tony Aburto, Micah Bunch, Nichole Dukes, Nathaly Garcia, Makai Garza — are all friends in Wiley, Ore. (a town which, incidentally, doesn’t exist). They’re seeking “one last fun adventure we can all do together” before they have to return home and get real jobs. These are kids who didn’t like school and didn’t like home life. In another movie, they’d be delinquents running from the law.

But “Gasoline Rainbow” isn’t that movie. There’s an uncommon sweetness to this film, which is less about running away from something and more about discovering the road of life is littered with goodness, if you know where to look. There’s a loose, languorous quality to “Gasoline Rainbow,” which the Rosses shot using a mostly improvised format, a collaboration between actors and filmmakers. It feels like a home movie, or a documentary — a capture of a slice of life in which there’s no plot other than whatever happens on the road ahead.

That road is full of people who also feel like weirdos. There are burnouts and stoners who generously share tips and directions with the kids. There are skaters they chat with on the street who share their own stories and make sure the kids are safe and OK. Not every encounter is well and good — at one point, the tires on their van are stolen, leaving them to figure out how to keep going. But as viewers, we soon settle into the sense that these teenagers are going to be just fine.

Along the way they talk about what haunts them back home: soured relationships, preoccupied parents, loss, deportation, the general sense that life’s sameness is stifling. But almost everyone they encounter is older than them, and offers mentorship of one kind or another. At one point, before visiting some older family friends of one of the teens, another expresses worry about hanging out with “old people” who are “30 or 40.”

“Maybe they’re hippies,” another says. It’s a tiny window to the whole point of “Gasoline Rainbow,” which is this: Every generation has had its outsiders. There’s always been a group of people who didn’t feel like they really belonged. The lucky ones found one another and, decades later, are ready to pave over the bumps as best they can for those who are coming up behind. That’s the joy at the heart of this movie — the sense that for every square peg jammed into the wrong-shaped hole, there’s a whole bucket of similar shaped pegs waiting for them.

The teens do make it to the party at the end of the world, but, as you might predict, it’s not quite what they expected. It never had to be. The destination, as most of us discover eventually, is almost beside the point.

Gasoline Rainbow Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes. In theaters.

Alissa Wilkinson is a Times movie critic. She’s been writing about movies since 2005. More about Alissa Wilkinson

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COMMENTS

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