Commentary: Enjoy the journey

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michelle Pryor
  • 32nd Flying Training Squadron commander
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Yes, it's that time of year! The temperatures are dropping, we're recovering from an oversized Thanksgiving dinner complemented by an abundance of football, and the holidays are quickly approaching.

Stores are overflowing with holiday decorations and filled with the latest toys for kids of all ages as well as multitudes of holiday sales advertisements. The mad rush is on with only weeks until the big day.

Amidst this holiday excitement, I think to myself, "How often do we find ourselves rushing from one task or place to another, not only during this holiday season but in life in general?"

We're constantly making to-do lists both at work and home and there never seems to be enough time to accomplish everything. This rushing from one thing to another becomes even more amplified as we approach the holidays.

In between events, there are more lists to be made -- lists of presents to buy, cards to mail, sales to find, recipes to try and parties to attend. We are constantly reminded of mailing deadlines and the fact that time is running out to find that perfect gift.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, we will be removing outdoor lights, taking down the decorations, trying to find a place for all the newly purchased items and making a New Year's resolution to lose all the weight gained over the holidays. Then it will be back to work, where we will again face our daily to-do lists.

It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of accomplishing as much as we can in the time we have. Amidst this whirlwind life, it is while spending time with family and friends that I stop and think, "Where does the time go?"

As we race from one life event to another, it is important to try and enjoy each event rather than just planning for the next. While actually slowing down time may not be possible, we need to make an effort to appreciate each life event both big and small. We also need to appreciate the people we are sharing that event with so we can enjoy the journey rather than constantly racing toward our goal or checking one more box on our list.

One year ago, on Thanksgiving weekend, my husband and I were out of the country running an Ironman triathlon. There were definitely times throughout our training I wasn't really enjoying the journey and could hardly wait to get to the race.

Finally we had made it to race day. It may be hard to believe that you can actually enjoy a 140-mile race while at times experiencing quite a bit of pain, but I kept reminding myself that this could be a once in a lifetime experience.

I kept telling myself to appreciate the ocean views and the thousands of people who were cheering for us all day. In the end, crossing the finish line was amazing, but having our family there to encourage us, the support of the onlookers and the opportunity to cheer on other racers was priceless and made our journey worth it.

I was lucky enough to attend a family reunion over this year's Thanksgiving holiday. Although those three and a half days were fast and furious, and admittedly passed by too quickly, I truly enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. It also gave me the time to reflect on what I am thankful for.

Although I wouldn't trade my overseas assignments, which include seven years of outstanding experiences, I am thankful to be back in the United States where I am closer to our families and able to visit more frequently.

After spending 18 months in different duty locations, I am thankful to be stationed at the same base as my husband. I am grateful for the wonderful family and friends I have and I appreciate the amazing people in our squadron.

Ultimately, many of the things I am most thankful for are not material items sold at the biggest sale in the stores, but are experiences I have had and people I have shared them with.

As the holidays approach, instead of focusing on everything we need to accomplish to make this holiday perfect, we can instead learn to appreciate each day, reflect on what we are thankful for and appreciate the people with whom we are sharing our experiences.

Whether it is the holiday season, day-to-day life or any challenge you attempt to conquer, do not just try to get from point A to B... enjoy the journey!