The Journey

It’s been a long and winding road
Trying to reach my destination,
A destination not on the map
And whose name I do not know.
But it’s only the journey that matters.

The detours have been many along the way,
The weather has often been stormy
And demanded a change of directions and plans,
But in the end I know that it was all worth it.
For it’s only the journey that has shown me who I am.

I’ve survived accidents and healed my wounds,
Held my head above engulfing floods…
The floods of despair and hopelessness,
Have forged ahead when I thought about ending the trip early.
But it’s only the journey that teaches.

My fellow travelers have made me laugh,
Have sent me to the heights of ecstasy
And loved me well… have made me cry
And have thrown me into the depths of despair.
But it’s only the journey that helps me grow.

My trip is not as I would have written it
If I had been given the chance in the beginning,
But, as I look behind me and see how far I’ve traveled
And ahead of me and glimpse the scenery that beckons, I know
That it’s only the journey that is important.

No, I wouldn’t have missed it, wouldn’t have changed a thing,
Wouldn’t have given up one experience,
The strife and the conflicts and the magical moments,
For they’ve all made me who I am.
And it’s the journey that strengthens my spirit.

It’s taken me a long time to realize
I don’t have to be perfect,
And I don’t have to please everyone.
I like me just the way I am... and if I’m gone tomorrow
It was only the journey that mattered.

I cherish all the events along the way,
For they gave me the courage to move forward,
Starting with small halting steps
And then growing confident enough to spread my wings
And fly to places I never thought I could.

It is only the journey that matters.