Are You in it for the Long Haul?

I just had the opportunity to be with my grandparents to celebrate their 50 years of marriage. Now, we all know that 50 years of anything, especially a marriage, is a long time and definitely an occasion that should be celebrated. There is something so special and significant about reaching a milestone like this because it doesn’t come easily. Short term goals are easier to commit to because they feel safer and the reward is much more tangible. Creating long term goals with delayed gratification, now, that’s challenge!

Long term goals are packed with uncertainty, doubt, and fear of failure (Will I be strong enough to make it to the finish line, despite all the hurdles and obstacles that may enter the path?). Nonetheless, without them, you have no sense of direction or mission to motivate you through life. It’s our long term goals or desires that give us something to strive for, whether it’s becoming what you want to be when you grow up, owning your own piece of land, or even upholding the vow “till death do us part.”

Establishing these goals can be as easy as asking yourself, “What do I want in life?” It’s sticking to them that is the hard part. That pesky self-doubt gets in the way sometimes, causing us to second guess our ability to achieve our dreams. And sure, sometimes our lives just take a different path and our dreams change, but those who set their sights on a goal and remain steadfast till the end, accomplish something truly remarkable.

My grandparents waited half a century to reach this milestone. It undoubtedly had its ups and downs, but their determination and love for each other helped them through. Their reward for all their effort was being surrounded by their 11 children and grandchildren to share the moment and the memories with them. Reaching a long term goal takes a lot of work and time, as well as strong commitment and the will to endure whatever stands in your way, but the reward is priceless.

To a happy, healthy, and productive life!