Milestone

.
At certain times we all encounter milestones along our path.
These milestones can com in many forms ~ sometimes they come as life-changing events, but more often they seem much less significant ~ and only are recognized as the milestone that they are after the fact.

So why is a milestone (and the recognition of it) so important?
According to the dictionary, a milestone, while in earlier days exactly that ~ a stone placed beside the road to mark the distance in miles to a particular place; in our modern use of language it is more often used figuratively, as an action or event that marks a significant change or stage in development.

And in its figurative sense, that makes a milestone a place where some part of our journey through life finds a conclusion, such that a new avenue can emerge... This new avenue may mean that we change directions, start doing different things ~ or it can instigate us doing the same things we have been doing in a different, new manner.
A milestone then can almost feel like an initiation. Like a ‘test’ we have passed that allows us to move on with new and different things.

For that reason it is important for us to recognize the milestones along our path, because they mark the points where we can truly see how far we have come! They are in essence points of celebration, when we pat ourselves on the back, give ourselves a hug, before moving on with other things.

So what are the milestones in our lives?
Of course there is no single answer to that question; our individual milestones are as unique as we are. On the other hand there are milestones that we do seem to share; like passing the final exams of our study, passing the driving test and getting the so desired driving license, buying the first care, landing the first job, starting a relationship ~ or ending one... The list goes on and on.
And then there are those very personal milestones that are unique to us. They may be more along lines of overcoming our fear to speak in public, choosing to start presenting ourselves differently to the world around us ~ complete with the new wardrobe... It can be an achievement that may not at all seem important to anyone else, but that tells us that “We finally did it! Yes!!”

My milestone is that the first 108 posts of this blog are now available as a book!
‘Thinking out loud ~ musings on walking a spiritual path’

I did it! And that really makes me happy!

If you are interested and you are in the Netherlands, you can get in touch with me to obtain a signed copy of the book for €17,50 plus S&H. If you are in the U.S. you can buy the book through Amazon.
.
.