Setting Up Goals, Committing, Accomplishing: The Joy of Reaching the Finish Line

This month arrived filled with blessings and gifts. Gifts of family, new colleagues, students, meaningful friendships and knowledge. As the new school year kicked off, life naturally accelerated into high gear for many families like ours, with young children. While high-energy months can feel overwhelming, I’ve come to realize they are necessary; they create the contrast and balance that make our personal journey unique. 

The last few months have been particularly transformative for me. I recently traveled to Sedona, Arizona, where I was officially ordained as an interfaith minister, a milestone that allows me to serve our community in an entirely new way. At the same time, I am just days away from receiving my doctoral degree in Conscious Business Ethics with a focus on Health and Nutrition.  

Reflecting on this nearly four-year journey, I am reminded of a simple truth: meaningful accomplishments take time and rarely come easily. 

• Set clear goals on what you want with purpose and intention.

• Make a commitment to yourself and be determined to stay the course.

• Be consistent and set aside time to work on your goals.

• Follow through with patience, both for yourself and for others.

Sitting on the other side of that finish line brings me a sense of relief, contentment, and pure joy. This program helped me see the value in each one of us regardless of religious beliefs, place of birth or sexual preference. When we expand our awareness we also free our heart and mind into the next chapter following our soul’s mission in service. 

During my time in Sedona, I had the privilege of connecting with incredible people from all over the world: Jamaica, Guyana, UK, Germany, and Cuba, as well as various American states. Despite our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, we were united by a shared mission to serve others, share our unique gifts, and promote love and peace within ourselves, serve our families, community and the world at large.  

Of course, no long journey is walked entirely alone. When things start to get difficult, it’s natural to feel like giving up. In those moments, it is vital to remember that we don’t have to carry everything by ourselves. Sometimes we just need someone else’s perspective, a little push, or a helping hand to keep going.  We are truly here to support one another along the way, let's be kind. 

I am so grateful to my husband Mike, for all his support during this program, including taking the girls out to allow me the time to work on my thesis and dissertation and to do research uninterrupted. I am grateful to Dr. Jordan, my dissertation mentor, for telling me “Nancy, you got this,” when I was about to drop everything. Finally, I am grateful to Ms. Rodriguez, my principal, for supporting my journey and life mission for the past twelve years.  

So I’d love to ask: Is there something that you would like to do or bring it to life in your experience? What goals are you currently working toward? Is there a vision you are nurturing right now? What is that calling that keeps coming up? Reply and let me know, I’d love to cheer you on. 

Whatever it is, know that the effort you put in today is building the fulfillment of tomorrow. Remember, you don’t have to walk alone.  

May this month/season bring peace, joy, and the clarity to pursue whatever lights your path.