• Daily Crossword
  • Word Puzzle
  • Word Finder
  • Word of the Day
  • Synonym of the Day
  • Word of the Year
  • Language stories
  • All featured
  • Gender and sexuality
  • All pop culture
  • Writing hub
  • Grammar essentials
  • Commonly confused
  • All writing tips
  • Pop culture
  • Writing tips

Advertisement

[ jur -nee ]

a six-day journey across the desert.

Synonyms: tour , jaunt , excursion

a desert journey.

a week's journey.

the journey to success.

verb (used without object)

Synonyms: peregrinate , rove , roam

/ ˈdʒɜːnɪ /

  • a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage
  • the distance travelled in a journey
  • the time taken to make a journey
  • intr to make a journey

Discover More

Derived forms.

  • ˈjourneyer , noun

Other Words From

  • journey·er noun
  • outjourney verb (used with object) outjourneyed outjourneying

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

If either is selected, it would not launch until 2026 at the earliest, and would take at least a few months to make the journey.

The job is a cherry on top, but the journey and the experience of being able to audition and leave your heart in the room and feel good about it, no matter what happens, that’s rare and that was amazing.

Cross-device measurement helps connect the dots of your customer’s journey and ensures you know how effective your campaigns are at driving user behavior.

You are somewhat of a new grandmother and you’ve been enjoying that journey.

Instead of having numerous articles addressing each of these particular questions, brands and publishers could consolidate this information as it is all pertinent to the same stage of the journey that the user is in.

The brokers then scout out potential “crew members” who can earn substantial discounts for working the journey.

The next day, after driving to Putney on the outskirts of London, we start the end of our journey.

The NYPD Emerald Society pipes and drums struck up a slow march and the procession began the journey to the cemetery.

We began a journey with Koenig in the first episode of Serial.

But the sunlight is threatening to fade and a three-and-a-half-hour river journey back to Kisangani looms.

With a hammer the boy knocked off some of the slats of the small box in which Squinty had made his journey.

Then summoning a smart young jemadar with whom he had talked a good deal during the journey, he asked him to read the chit.

But dismissing them from our thoughts for the time being, as we did then from our presence, let us continue our journey.

If the journey is now distasteful to her, she has but her own rashness to blame in having sought it herself.

It was past sundown when they left San Bernardino, but a full moon made the night as good as day for their journey.

Related Words

  • exploration

What Is The Plural Of Journey?

Plural word for  journey.

The plural form of journey is journeys (not journies ). Words that end with a – y preceded by a vowel ( a, e, i, o, u ) are made plural by adding an -s at the end, as in chimney / chimneys and monkey / monkeys . 

This can be confusing, because the plural form of words that end with a – y and are preceded by a consonant is made by changing the ending to -ies , as in party / parties , candy / candies , and duty / duties .

More About Journey

What does  journey mean.

A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.

The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey , though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest . A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.

The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. 

Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.

Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.

Where does  journey come from?

The first records of the word journey come from around the 1200s. It comes from the Middle English word journee , meaning “day,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta , meaning “a day’s time” or “a day’s work.” In English, the meaning of the word journey originally meant something like “a day’s travel,” but eventually came to mean “a long trip.”

A journey can last a day but the word usually refers to longer trips. The word is sometimes preceded with the mode of transportation that’s used, as in The city is reachable only by a long train journey. Discussion of journeys often involves their destination or purpose. When people say, “It’s the journey , not the destination,” they mean that the significance and value of a journey is what happens along the way, from moment to moment, as opposed to the achievement of its ultimate goal.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to journey ?

  • journeyer (noun)
  • outjourney (verb)

What are some synonyms for journey ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with journey ? 

What are some words that often get used in discussing journey ?

  • destination

How is  journey used in real life?

Journey is very commonly used in a figurative way.

I ask you to accompany me on my journey to Chile and Peru in your prayers. — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 15, 2018
Life is indeed a journey. Successful is he who can navigate the ups and downs without losing his balance. Don’t dwell on your past, don’t wallow in self-pity, don’t repeat your mistakes, don’t focus on negativity, help others along the way, spread kindness wherever you go! — Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) August 17, 2020
Some people around us will not understand our journey. They don’t need to; it’s not for them — Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho) May 4, 2019

Try using  journey !

Which of the following words is a synonym of journey ?

A. voyage B. trip C. trek D. all of the above

Definition of 'journey'

IPA Pronunciation Guide

journey in American English

Journey in british english, examples of 'journey' in a sentence journey, related word partners journey, trends of journey.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically journey

  • journalistic objectivity
  • journalling
  • journey alone
  • journey north
  • journey of self-discovery
  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'J'

Related terms of journey

  • bus journey
  • car journey
  • sea journey
  • bumpy journey
  • coach journey
  • View more related words

Tile

Wordle Helper

Tile

Scrabble Tools

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Image

Cambridge Dictionary

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of journey – Learner’s Dictionary

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

  • a thirty-minute journey
  • the first leg of the journey
  • The journey will take an hour at the most.
  • Allow three hours for the journey.
  • The journey itself was fairly uneventful .

(Definition of journey from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of journey

Get a quick, free translation!

{{randomImageQuizHook.quizId}}

Word of the Day

side hustle

a piece of work or a job that you get paid for doing in addition to doing your main job

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

a journey what does it mean

Learn more with +Plus

  • Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
  • Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
  • Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
  • Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
  • English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
  • English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
  • English–Dutch Dutch–English
  • English–French French–English
  • English–German German–English
  • English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
  • English–Italian Italian–English
  • English–Japanese Japanese–English
  • English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
  • English–Polish Polish–English
  • English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
  • English–Spanish Spanish–English
  • English–Swedish Swedish–English
  • Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
  • Learner’s Dictionary    Noun
  • Translations
  • All translations

To add journey to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add journey to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

  • TheFreeDictionary
  • Word / Article
  • Starts with
  • Free toolbar & extensions
  • Word of the Day
  • Free content

Other results

  • Long Day's Journey into Night

Nearby words

Live A Life You Love!

What Happens on a Spiritual Journey? 5 Stages You Will Experience

What Happens on a Spiritual Journey

Going on a spiritual journey can be exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. Many unexpected things can happen on a spiritual journey, and it can be a completely different experience from person to person. So, what happens on a spiritual journey?

Things to Know:

  • A spiritual journey is a deeply personal and individual experience. ✓
  • There are five stages: Soul Searching, Awakening, Facing Your Fears, Rebirth, and Applying Your Wisdom. However, not everyone will experience all these stages. ✓
  • When embarking on a spiritual journey, it’s important to be cautious of ‘greedy gurus’ who may try to take advantage of your vulnerability. ✓

Table of Contents

What Is a Spiritual Journey?

A spiritual journey is a personal exploration of self and life. It’s embarked upon for personal growth, inner peace, and self-understanding . This journey can lead to self-discovery or answers to life’s profound questions. It often culminates in a deeper self-awareness or a spiritual awakening, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

5 Stages You’ll Experience on a Spiritual Journey

Stage 1 – soul searching.

The first stage of a spiritual journey is soul searching, which is when you decide whether to embark on this journey or not. This stage is often met with a lot of confusion and consideration. You begin your inward search and ask questions like:

  • “Who am I?”
  • “What am I here on Earth to do?”
  • “What is the purpose of Life?”

As you start to seek answers to your questions, your thoughts and actions will likely change too.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 1: Trust me, journaling is a game-changer during the soul-searching stage. Pouring your thoughts, feelings, and questions onto paper can bring so much clarity. And don’t underestimate the power of nature and quiet reflection – they’re your allies in this journey. I can’t stress enough how much daily reflection has cleared my mind during my own soul-searching stage.

Stage 2 – Awakening

The second stage of a spiritual journey is the awakening stage. Now is the time when you’ll begin to see the world differently, and many once confusing things will now make sense to you. You’ll become more self-aware and start to see things through a spiritual lens.

This stage is often compared to waking up from a dream and seeing the world around you more clearly. You can now break down your life experiences into different levels of understanding and interpretation.

At this point, you may find yourself drifting away from friends , hobbies, and other interests that don’t fit into your new spiritual beliefs. If this happens, don’t worry because you will find new like-minded people and interests on your new journey.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 2: This is where mindfulness practices really shine. Meditation, yoga, breathwork – they’re all going to help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Meditation, in part

Stage 3 – Facing your fears

The third stage of a spiritual journey is all about facing your fears and seeing the good, bad, dark, and light. During this stage, you will find that you can let go of things that were holding you back.

You need to be strong and have faith in yourself because you will go through a lot at this stage, but it will all be worth it when you reach the end of your transformation.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 3: Brace yourself – this stage is all about confronting and releasing old fears and limiting beliefs. Therapeutic practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-informed yoga, can be a lifeline. And don’t forget about journaling – it’s been a crucial tool for me to understand and face my fears.

Stage 4 – Rebirth

The fourth stage of a spiritual journey is rebirth, and this is when you will start to become who you were destined to be. You will find that you are more confident, positive, and ready to take on the world. You’ll want to start living your life with a newfound purpose and direction.

The rebirth stage can also bring new, like-minded people into your life. I think this is one of the most positive stages of the spiritual journey because it brings happiness and contentment into your life.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 4: This is your time to shine! Engage in practices that nurture your sense of self and your connection with the world. Spend time in nature, get creative, practice self-care. Nurturing my body through healthy eating and regular exercise has been a game-changer in my own rebirth stage.

Happy woman meditating

Stage 5 – Applying your wisdom

The final stage of a spiritual journey is applying the new wisdom you have gained to your everyday life. This stage is when everything falls into place, and you realize that everything in life happens for a reason and things never stay the same forever.

You will find that you can see the bigger picture and know that each experience is helping you become who you were always meant to be.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 5: This is the grand finale of your spiritual journey – applying your newfound wisdom to your everyday life. Mindful living, conscious decision-making, teaching, and guiding others – it’s all part of the journey. Sharing my experiences and insights with others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

Final thoughts

Starting on a spiritual journey is exciting and new, and you will learn a lot from it. Having a clear understanding of what you hope to get out of it and what your spiritual journey means to you will help keep you on the right path. Integrate what you have learned into your day-to-day life to make changes that will move your life forward. Remember, spirituality is a life-long journey, so make sure you enjoy it.

  • https://www.wikihow.com/Go-on-a-Spiritual-Journey
  • https://lonerwolf.com/spiritual-journey/
  • https://chopra.com/articles/the-7-stages-of-spiritual-development

Live A Life You Love!

  • ABBREVIATIONS
  • BIOGRAPHIES
  • CALCULATORS
  • CONVERSIONS
  • DEFINITIONS

Definitions.net

  Vocabulary      

What does journey mean?

Definitions for journey ˈdʒɜr ni jour·ney, this dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word journey ., princeton's wordnet rate this definition: 3.0 / 1 vote.

journey, journeying verb

the act of traveling from one place to another

travel, journey verb

undertake a journey or trip

travel upon or across

"travel the oceans"

GCIDE Rate this definition: 4.7 / 3 votes

Journey noun

The distance that is traveled in a journey, or the time taken to complete a journey; as, it's a two-day journey from the oasis into Cairo by camel; from Mecca to Samarkand is quite a journey.

A passage through life, or a passage through any significant experience, or from one state to another.

Wiktionary Rate this definition: 1.5 / 2 votes

journey noun

A set amount of travelling, seen as a single unit; a discrete trip, a voyage.

A day's travelling; the distance travelled in a day.

A day's work.

  • journey verb

To travel, to make a trip or voyage.

Wikipedia Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

"The Journey is a song by English boy band 911 . It was released on 30 June 1997 in the United Kingdom through Virgin Records as the sixth and final single from their debut studio album, The Journey (1997). It peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and remained in the chart for seven weeks.

ChatGPT Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A journey refers to the act of traveling from one place to another, typically involving a long distance. It can also refer to the process or experience of personal growth, development, or transformation, often involving challenges, learning, and self-discovery. Journeys can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual in nature and can take various forms such as road trips, exploration of new territories, pursuit of goals or dreams, or the passage through different stages of life.

Webster Dictionary Rate this definition: 1.0 / 1 vote

the travel or work of a day

travel or passage from one place to another; hence, figuratively, a passage through life

Journey verb

to travel from place to place; to go from home to a distance

to traverse; to travel over or through

Etymology: [OE. jornee, journee, prop., a day's journey, OF. jorne, jurne, a day, a day's work of journey, F. journe, fr. OF. jorn, jurn, jor a day, F. jour, fr. L. diurnus. See Journal.]

Wikidata Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded. During that period, the band released a series of hit songs, including 1981's "Don't Stop Believin'", which became in 2009 the top-selling catalog track in iTunes history. Its parent studio album, Escape, the band's eighth and most successful, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and yielded another of their most popular singles, "Open Arms". Its 1983 follow-up, Frontiers, was almost as successful in the United States, reaching No. 2 and spawning several successful singles; it broadened the band's appeal in the United Kingdom, where it reached No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart. Journey enjoyed a successful reunion in the mid-1990s, and later regrouped with a series of lead singers. Sales have resulted in two gold albums, eight multi-platinum albums, and one diamond album. They have had eighteen Top 40 singles in the US, six of which reached the Top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and two of which reached No. 1 on other Billboard charts, and a No. 6 hit on the UK Singles Chart in "Don't Stop Believin'". Originally a progressive rock band, Journey was described by Allmusic as having cemented a reputation as "one of America's most beloved commercial rock/pop bands" by 1978, when they redefined their sound by embracing traditional pop arrangements on their fourth album, Infinity. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Journey has sold 47 million albums in the US, making them the 28th best selling band. Their worldwide sales have reached over 80 million albums. A 2005 USA Today opinion poll named Journey the fifth best American rock band in history. Their songs have become arena rock staples and are still played on rock radio stations across the world.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

jur′ni, n. any travel: tour: excursion: the weight of finished coins delivered at one time to the Master of the Mint—also Jour′ney-weight .— v.i. Jour′ney , to travel:— pr.p. jour′neying; pa.p. jour′neyed (-nid).— adj. Jour′ney-bat′ed ( Shak. ), wayworn.— ns. Jour′neyman , one who works by the day: any hired workman: one whose apprenticeship is completed; Jour′ney-work , work done by a journeyman or for hire. [Fr. journée — jour , a day—L. diurnus .]

Editors Contribution Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A form of travel from a place to a specific location of choice.

The journey to Wales is easy and simple as we fly.

Submitted by MaryC on March 8, 2020  

Suggested Resources Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

Song lyrics by journey -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by journey on the Lyrics.com website.

Surnames Frequency by Census Records Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Journey is ranked #18198 in terms of the most common surnames in America. The Journey surname appeared 1,529 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 would have the surname Journey . 69.3% or 1,061 total occurrences were White . 22.8% or 349 total occurrences were Black . 3.3% or 51 total occurrences were of Hispanic origin. 3.1% or 48 total occurrences were of two or more races . 0.9% or 14 total occurrences were Asian . 0.3% or 6 total occurrences were American Indian or Alaskan Native .

Matched Categories

British national corpus.

Spoken Corpus Frequency

Rank popularity for the word 'journey' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #2169

Written Corpus Frequency

Rank popularity for the word 'journey' in Written Corpus Frequency: #2603

Nouns Frequency

Rank popularity for the word 'journey' in Nouns Frequency: #844

How to pronounce journey?

Alex US English David US English Mark US English Daniel British Libby British Mia British Karen Australian Hayley Australian Natasha Australian Veena Indian Priya Indian Neerja Indian Zira US English Oliver British Wendy British Fred US English Tessa South African

How to say journey in sign language?

Chaldean Numerology

The numerical value of journey in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

Pythagorean Numerology

The numerical value of journey in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Examples of journey in a Sentence

Jason suntheni mwale :

We have journey s all to make, only intelligent And Pantient people find right way to proceed the journey .

Danielle Collins :

While I don't know for sure what my journey to recovery will be, I do know that I feel really positive about getting back on the court, i feel like now I can get better and address my body's needs in fighting this disease.

Lakshheish M Patel :

General Traders and investors are all dumbass as they will all come back seeing 1 day abnormal rise and then companies will loot their money and again start downward journey

Sarah Marquis ' :

Sarah Marquis ' journey was a dream of mine, sarah Marquis ' journey was a response to the calling I've got inside me. I want to understand nature and what I'm made of at a deeper level.

I’m not a candidate, and if I am a candidate, this is a long journey .

Popularity rank by frequency of use

  • ^  Princeton's WordNet http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=journey
  • ^  GCIDE https://gcide.gnu.org.ua/?q=journey
  • ^  Wiktionary https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Journey
  • ^  Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey
  • ^  ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com
  • ^  Webster Dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journey
  • ^  Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=journey
  • ^  Chambers 20th Century Dictionary https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=journey
  • ^  Surnames Frequency by Census Records https://www.census.gov/topics/population/genealogy/data/2010_surnames.html

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a free new word definition delivered to your inbox daily.

Please enter your email address:

Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:.

Style: MLA Chicago APA

"journey." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Jun 2024. < https://www.definitions.net/definition/journey >.

Cite.Me

Discuss these journey definitions with the community:

 width=

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

You need to be logged in to favorite .

Create a new account.

Your name: * Required

Your email address: * Required

Pick a user name: * Required

Username: * Required

Password: * Required

Forgot your password?    Retrieve it

Are we missing a good definition for journey ? Don't keep it to yourself...

Image credit, the web's largest resource for, definitions & translations, a member of the stands4 network, free, no signup required :, add to chrome, add to firefox, browse definitions.net, are you a words master, quickly aroused to anger, Nearby & related entries:.

  • journals of march
  • journey cake noun
  • journey home
  • journey of life
  • journey planner
  • journey to a star

Alternative searches for journey :

  • Search for journey on Amazon

a journey what does it mean

ryan hanley logo

Why Life Really is a Journey and Not a Destination

  • January 7th, 2019

Ralph Waldo Emerson is often credited with the iconic cliche (made famous by Aerosmith in their 1992 hit single, Amazing), “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

In fact, Emerson never wrote those words. It’s possible what he did write was its impetus:

“To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Finding Peak is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

a journey what does it mean

I’ve always hated the “Life is a journey” meme. Life is about the destination. It’s about where you finish. Did you win or lose? If it isn’t, what the heck are we doing all this work for? Maybe it was being raised in rural Upstate New York, watching my working-class parents show up and “Do the work” every day without any tangible improvement in our lives. Maybe it’s that as a kid, I never had a vision of what I wanted my life to be… other than better. I knew I needed to get out of my small town and anything beyond that seemed like gravy. That life could ever be about the painful grind of the “Journey” seemed a sentiment more suited for the privileged and self-indulgent. Then I read  The Artist’s Way  by Julia Cameron in 2013. The Artist’s Way My reason for reading The Artist’s Way was how terrible I felt after committing to writing my first book,  Content Warfare. I wanted the goal (or, in context, the destination) of publishing a collection of stories outlining the evergreen content marketing tactics and strategies I’d used to dominate my local marketplace. The problem was I had no idea how to write a book. The task felt overwhelming. My son, Duke, was only six months old, and I still had a full-time job at the insurance agency. There was no “Extra time” to sit and write a book. In The Artist’s Way, Cameron outlines her “Morning Pages” ritual (the daily practice of writing three unscripted stream-of-consciousness pages each morning). Cameron’s morning pages gave me a process, and the process gave me hope. “As you move toward a dream, the dream moves toward you.” ~  Julia Cameron

As crazy as this might sound, I’d never set a specific process against a goal before sticking to it. Not in sports, not in school, and certainly not at work.

It turns out cliche motivational advice can still be good advice.

Publishing Content Warfare wasn’t nearly as satisfying as the grind of producing the work. Writing a book is mentally and emotionally exhausting, but you also get the opportunity to open your creativity valve.

I forgot about writing a book.

I forgot about the deadline.

I forgot about what other people might think about a certain idea.

I just wrote.

Every day I wrote.

Slowly, word by word, page by page, day by day, I began to find enjoyment in the process of writing.

This hasn’t always been the case.

Early on, the joy of writing was publishing. All I wanted to do was hit publish. I couldn’t wait. I wanted to see my work live. I wanted others to engage with it and send me those little gratifying hits of dopamine we’ve all grown to need.

The crap I’ve published to have something new to share… ugh. But those five grueling months, grinding through Content Warfare, changed everything.

Now it’s all about the process: from research to narrative design to adding supporting media and editing. The process is satisfaction.

Today it takes me twice as long to publish an article as it did when I started writing.

At face value, it feels like the opposite should be true. But this is the dirty little secret of writing, as you mature into the skill, writing doesn’t become easier or faster.

You hold yourself to higher standards and demand more from the articles you share with the world. And it is through relenting to process doing the work that I finally came to understand the cliche, “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

SOLUTION: NO MORE GOALS

When we focus on the goal over the process, we open ourselves up to fear and doubt.

“The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.” ~ Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

We put the goal on a pedestal. As  James Clear writes ,

Winners and losers have the same goals.
Winners fall in love with the process (the journey).
“The opposite of fear is love — love of the challenge, love of the work, the pure joyous passion to take a shot at our dream and see if we can pull it off.” ~ Steven Pressfield, Do the Work

Winners fall in love with the process because that’s all they can control.

In a recent episode of  Tim Ferriss’s podcast , Jason Fried, founder of Basecamp, shared his perspective on goals:

“I don’t have any goals. I’ve never had any goals. Goals are not something that I pay attention to. I just sort of do what I feel like is the right thing to do in any given situation.”

Fried went on to explain:

“For me, I don’t want to compare myself to an idea I had two years prior of where I wanted to be. I don’t know where I’m going to want to be in two years. So, to set a goal that’s long-term, in some cases you’re actually setting it for who you are when you set it versus who you are when you’re going to get there.”

Goals are made up.

Worse, they’re made up to fit who you are today or who you think you may want to be. Neither of which is who you will be when you get there.

Instead, I recommend giving  James Clear’s Compass Theory  a try:

“The problem with a treasure hunt is that most people spend all of their time thinking about the treasure. The fastest way to get to a particular spot, however, is to set your compass and start walking. The idea here is to commit to your goal with the utmost conviction. Develop a clear, single-minded focus for where you are headed. Then, however, you do something strange. You release the desire to achieve a particular outcome and focus instead on the slow march forward. Pour all of your energy into the journey, be present in the moment, be committed to the path you are walking. Know that you are moving unwaveringly in one clear direction and that this direction is right for you, but never get wrapped up in a particular result or achieving a certain goal by a specific time. In other words, your goal becomes your compass, not your buried treasure. The goal is your direction, not your destination. The goal is a mission that you are on, a path that you follow. Whatever comes from that path — whatever treasure you happen to find along this journey — well, that’s just fine. It is the commitment to walking the path that matters.”

Using Clear’s metaphor, if your goal drives motivation, you’re leaving yourself open to lose course, lose hope, and ultimately never find the destination you seek.

However, by always focusing on the compass, you can easily adapt and adjust course as needed, staying true to the process.

Consistent forward progress for the win.

Worry about what you can control: the quality of your work and how often you produce that work.

These form the foundation of your process.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t set goals, don’t get all messed up about them.

Instead, focus every ounce of your energy on what you’re doing to get there.

YouTube player

It is amazing that a worn-out cliche, such as “Life is a journey, not a destination,” can be cemented at the center of so much truth.

Ryan Hanley

More ways to connect.

The Ryan Hanley newsletter is only one of the ways we can connect.

Here are a few more…

  • Subscribe to the Ryan Hanley Podcast
  • Connect on Instagram  ← personal favorite
  • Connect on Twitter

Instagram and Twitter are where I share little ditties and short thoughts on peak performance and personal development that may not make it into the newsletter.

Refer friends. Get free stuff.

If you enjoy our content, the best way to support my work is by referring the newsletter to your friends and colleagues.

Click the link below to learn how to get this complete 🔥🔥🔥 t-shirt…

I know, right?

a journey what does it mean

Unlock your Peak Performance in Business and Life.

Latest posts.

dr judith orloff big

How to Become an Empathetic Leader (when you’re not empathetic)

hilary silver full potential

Unlocking Your Full Potential with Positive Action

jon davids thumbnail

How to Build a Brand So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Follow on the socials.

You are here: Home » Blog » Happiness

Why Happiness Is A Journey And Not A Destination

a journey what does it mean

by Christian

Reviewed and fact-checked

We are committed to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in our content. Every statement made on our website is meticulously fact-checked and supported by authoritative studies.

Read more about our processes here .

Updated on January 29, 2023

happiness is a journey not destination featured

“Happiness is a journey.” You’ve definitely heard this before. So what exactly does it mean? If happiness isn’t a destination, then how do we find it? And if happiness is a journey, does that mean we never really get there? Many people swear by this common saying – so are they right, or is it just a cliche?

Your happiness depends on a lot of things, like genetics and life experiences – but as much as 40% is in your control. The way you conceive of happiness can have a big impact on just how happy you are. If you go chasing after it, you may find it slips through your fingers. The expression “Happiness is a journey” is all about thinking about happiness the right way – and finding ways to enjoy all the steps.

There are a couple of different ways to interpret this expression, and each of them will teach you something important about happiness. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways happiness can be thought of as a journey, with examples and actual research to help you apply them to your own life.

I’ll be happy when …..

Affective forecasting in science, a little happiness every day vs a lot of happiness at once, creating your own happiness, active anticipation vs happiness, enjoying the journey and the destination, closing words, happiness as a goal in life.

We often talk about happiness as a goal — something to be attained, like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The problem with this approach is that we forget to enjoy the present moment. There’s nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself, but if you think achieving a certain goal will finally bring you happiness, you may be in for a disappointment . One reason is that the predictions we make about how we’ll feel in the future aren’t very accurate.

When I was studying psychology at university, one of our professors asked us at the beginning of the course to fill out a survey. Several of the questions had to do with what grade we thought we’d get, and how we’d feel if we got a better or worse grade. At the end of the year, after we received back our grades, we were asked to note our emotional response.

It turns out that almost all our predictions were incorrect. Those of us who got a better grade than we’d predicted at the beginning of the year didn’t feel as happy as we thought we would – and those of us who got a worse grade didn’t feel as bad as predicted!

The ability to accurately predict our future emotional states is called affective forecasting and it turns out that humans are pretty bad at it . We make consistently bad predictions about how we’ll feel:

  • When a relationship ends
  • When we do well in sports
  • When we get a good grade
  • When we graduate from college
  • When we get a promotion
  • Just about anything else

There are a couple of different reasons why we’re so bad at this, but two of the main ones are because we usually overestimate how intensely we’ll feel an emotion and for how long .

Another important reason we’re bad at predicting our emotions is that we usually fail to take into account the complexity of future events. You might think you’ll be happy when you get a promotion – but you may find yourself over-worked, with too much responsibility and not enough time.

Finally, this study found that the more people equate goal-achievement with happiness, the more they’re likely to be miserable when they fail to achieve that goal. If there’s a lesson to be learned from poor affective forecasting, it’s that you shouldn’t count on specific events to make you happy.

Another reason why it’s not great to put all your happiness eggs in one basket is that your happiness depends more on the frequency of happy events , and not the intensity.

In other words, it’s better to have lots of little happy moments than one or two bigs ones. Not only this, but research has shown that happiness from individual events doesn’t actually last that long . And it turns out that one of the best ways to prolong feelings of happiness following an event is to relive what it is that made you happy .

These three studies together tell us something very important about happiness: you should try to maximize the number of small, happy events in your life as much as you can.

Why is happiness a journey and not a destination? Because whatever you think is the destination, it probably won’t make you as happy as you’d like, and you may end up miserable if you don’t get there. It’s better to enjoy little events along the way.

I came across this cute and clever meme today in the gym. Maybe you’ve seen it.

create your own happiness

It got me to thinking that one of the reasons why lots of people are unhappy is because they go out looking for happiness, rather than cultivating it in their lives. In a previous article, we explained how happiness is an inside job – it’s something that you can build up from the inside, without having to resort to external sources.

One overview of the paradoxes inherent in seeking happiness came to this conclusion:

Happiness is pursued indirectly as the by-product of meaningful activities and relationships.

While the reasons are manifold (and a bit complex), it looks like “searching for it everywhere” is just about the worst way to go about it. Maddeningly, this study found that valuing happiness as an end goal or destination may “lead people to be less happy just when happiness is within reach.” Finally, when we’re focused on happiness as a destination, we end up feeling like we have less time to enjoy it . So if happiness isn’t a destination we can find and get to, how do we create it?

Well, I already mentioned one article, but the Learn To Be Happy Blog is full of advice based on real-world examples and research on how to cultivate happiness in your day to day life. Some examples include journaling for self-improvement , spreading happiness to others , and (of course!) being physically active . There are lots of ways to create happiness in your life, and studies have shown it’s a lot more effective than looking for it.

Why is happiness a journey and not a destination? Because you may never find the destination, in which case you’ve got a long, long journey ahead of you. So enjoy it! When you get happiness from the journey, you can stop looking for it elsewhere.

Happiness on the horizon

I love facts. Did you know that we share 50% of our DNA with lettuce? Or that a piece of paper folded 42 times would reach the moon? (Turns out you can’t fold a piece of paper more than 8 times. Sorry NASA).

Well, here’s another one of my favorites: people are typically happier planning vacations than after going on them .

In fact, the anticipation of an event is often more enjoyable than the event itself, and we’re happier looking forward to it than we are remembering it. Why is that? Well, it’s due in part to what we talked about in the first part of this article, affective forecasting. We overestimate how much a vacation or some other event will make us happy. But we love imagining it, planning it and getting excited about it!

This is called active anticipation and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the happiness journey. There are lots of ways to practice active anticipation of an event – you can journal about it, watch movies or read books in a similar vein, or do research on things to do. The important thing is to enjoy the process as much as you can.

This also means you’ll be happier if you always have something good on the horizon, whether it’s a trip, a play, a dinner with friends, or just a nice meal at the end of the week.

If that seems contradictory to the first two interpretations of Happiness as a journey, remember to focus on active anticipation — take as much pleasure as you can in planning the details.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself at the party! But it does mean that you should try to enjoy planning it too. Don’t attach your happiness to the upcoming event. You can look forward to the event without saying to yourself, “I’ll finally be happy when I go on vacation”, or “I’ll finally be happy when I see my friends!”

The point is to enjoy all of it – the journey there and the destination.

Why is happiness a journey and not a destination? Because the journey can be a lot more fun than the destination itself, and if you take the time to really enjoy each step along the way, you’ll spend more time being happy. Having something to look forward to helps you be happier in the present, which means that the journey is never really over. When you reach one destination, just keep on trekking!

💡 By the way : If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I’ve condensed the information of 100’s of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here. 👇

Cheat Sheet Download Thumbnail Clean

This Cheat Sheet Will Help You Be Happier and More Productive

Thrive under stress and crush your goals with these 10 unique tips for your mental health.

We’ve seen a number of different ways that happiness is best thought of as a journey and not a destination. It turns out that people are happiest when they have something to look forward to, when they enjoy the steps that take them there, and when they don’t attach too much importance to individual events.

On the flip side, focusing on happiness as a destination to be found or reached, putting all your hopes on big life events, and aiming for one or two really happy moments rather than a series of little ones, are all things that can make you less happy. It turns out the cliché is true: happiness really is a journey, one to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Now I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Have you experienced things similar to what I discussed in this article? Did I miss something? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Christian

Academic researcher and writer with a passion for statistical analysis, neuropsychology and mental health.

2 thoughts on “Why Happiness Is A Journey And Not A Destination”

Great article. I was a very unhappy person when I was younger and it took me a long time to realize that happiness was up to me, not up to the world or people around me. Now, I look for things to be happy about every day. It has changed my life.

Thanks for sharing, Sherri!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Why Do We Say, ‘Life Is a Journey Not a Destination’?

No one else will live the same life as you because there is no one like you. Therefore, we say “life is a journey, not a destination” because it reminds us that life is an ongoing journey of learning and growing.

Why Do We Say, ‘Life Is a Journey Not a Destination’?

A common saying spoken is “life is a journey, not a destination.” This is a very popular phrase that is used across the world. If a person hears this saying often or it becomes overused, it can lose its effect.

The phrase “life is a journey, not a destination” is meant to be impactful and encouraging, but why do we say this phrase?

The Journey of Life

The poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, is credited with the phrase “life is a journey, not a destination.” These words are true because life is a journey, not a destination. Life is an ongoing journey. A destination is a place you arrive at or an endpoint.

Life has no arrival or final destination. Life is an ongoing journey and adventure. Throughout our lives, we are going to be constantly traveling, maturing in our faith, and growing older.

When we are living our daily lives, it is important that we step back from the hectic rush of life and truly enjoy the journey. Our journeys in our lives help us grow into the people we become.

In our Christian walks, we need to be striving to include Jesus in every aspect of our journeys of life. The Bible tells us we are only pilgrims on this earth. C. S. Lewis often spoke about how we as humans are only pilgrims passing through on our way to be with the Lord.

Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our lives are our journeys, yet our final destination is heaven.

During our earthly lives, we will never land at our final destination. As long as we have breath in our lungs, God still has a purpose for our lives.

God is constantly telling individuals throughout the Bible to “go” ( Matthew 28:18-20 ; Genesis 12:1 ). Throughout our lives, God wants us to keep going and to share the gospel with others as well as to disciple them and help them grow in their faith.

The Christian faith is truly a journey, and it is a hard one. Many individuals believe after one becomes a Christian that their life will automatically be made all better.

While life does get better after becoming a Christian because you know Christ, it does not automatically fix all of your problems.

In other words, the Christian life is a hard journey filled with many ups and downs. John Bunyan’s novel The Pilgrim’s Progress  does a fantastic job of illustrating the journey of life for a Christian.

The journey of life becomes extremely difficult at times, but God walks with us through every step ( Psalm 23 ). In our own pilgrimages, we need to lean on God and trust Him.

He truly does know what is best and we can fully trust Him. We have nothing to be afraid of because God loves us, and He will direct every step of our life if we allow Him ( Proverbs 3:5-6 ).

The Final Destination

The final destination of our lives lies in our own hands. Our eternal fate lies before us. It is up to us whether we decide to accept Jesus or not.

Throughout our lives, it does not matter how many “good deeds” we do if we do not know Christ. Our goodwill never outweighs our bad. Paul tells us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ( Romans 3:23 ).

As human beings, we need to carefully examine ourselves and see if we have placed faith in Christ. We can have amazing lives by our own standards, but if we don’t know Christ and we never lived for Him, our lives would not be pleasing to the Lord.

The world tries to tell us that our final destination is our job, finding the right spouse, or buying a huge house, but that’s not true.

This way of thinking causes individuals to have an incorrect view of life as they will always be striving for their “final destination” rather than living the journey of their life for Christ.

5 Hallmarks of a Godly Man

5 Hallmarks of a Godly Man

It is a dangerous business to live our lives for ourselves and neglect Jesus’ influence in our lives. As Christians, it is important to know that our final destination is with Christ in heaven, but the journey of life is just as important.

The journey of our lives is beautiful and if we live our lives for Jesus, we will have the most joy in the Lord and we will make a difference for His Kingdom.

Why Do We Say It?

We say “life is a journey, not a destination” because life is the journey and through life, we learn and grow into the people we become. This phrase can also be used to tell loved ones when they are going through a difficult time in their lives.

We need to remember that our lives are a journey and there will be highs and lows. There will be sunny days full of happiness and there will be days of rainstorms and pain.

The beautiful thing about life’s journey is that it is ongoing, and we are constantly learning and growing with every breath we take — through the smiles and the tears.

As we grow older, we can reflect on the past and see just how far we have come in our journey, and look ahead to our continued journey of life. The journey of life continues until we are in the presence of the Lord.

God has created each of us uniquely with a unique purpose for our lives. Throughout our lives’ journey, He is going to have us complete His purpose for our lives. Even when our journey gets hard, we don’t need to give up.

Instead, we need to keep traveling through our pilgrimage ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 ). In your own personal life journey, stay focused on Christ and keep your eyes fixed on Him. The Bible tells us,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross , scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God ( Hebrews 12:1-2 ).

Jesus knows life gets arduous, which is why He wants us to come to Him ( Matthew 11:28-30 ). Turn to God today, trust Him, and rely on Him in your daily pilgrimage.

Life is a beautiful journey, and we need to take in every second of it. Our time with our loved ones is precious and every second matters.

It is easy to take life for granted until it slips out of our reach, or we are faced with a terminal illness. In your own life, serve God through the journey and He will lead you exactly where He needs you to be and what He wants you to do. Your life is beautiful and unique.

No one else will live the same life as you because there is no one like you. Therefore, we say “life is a journey, not a destination” because it reminds us that life is an ongoing journey of learning and growing. Life is not a final destination because, without the journey, there would not be a life.

For further reading:

What Is the Meaning of Life?

The Non-Linear Christian Life

Is it Biblical ‘Where God Guides, He Provides’?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Ben Taylor

Vivian Bricker

How God Rebuilds Your Life from the Inside Out

8 Incredible Ways to Embrace Someone Fighting Anxiety

8 Incredible Ways to Embrace Someone Fighting Anxiety

Morning Prayers to Start Your Day with God

The Best Birthday Prayers to Celebrate Friends and Family 

35 Prayers for Healing the Sick and Hurting

31 Night Prayers: Powerful to Pray Evening Rest and Bedtime

Is Masturbation a Sin?

Friends, forgiveness is never merited, hardly deserved, but it is always required. We forgive, just as Jesus forgave us…

Bible Baseball

Play now...

Bible Baseball

Saintly Millionaire

Saintly Millionaire

Bible Jeopardy

Bible Jeopardy

Bible Trivia By Category

Bible Trivia By Category

Bible Trivia Challenge

Bible Trivia Challenge

  • More from M-W
  • To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of journeyman

Did you know.

The journey in journeyman refers to a sense of the familiar word not often used anymore: "a day's labor." This sense of journey was first used in the 14th century. When journeyman appeared the following century, it originally referred to a person who, having learned a handicraft or trade through an apprenticeship, worked for daily wages. In the 16th century, journeyman picked up a figurative (and mainly deprecatory) sense; namely, "one who drudges for another." These days, however, journeyman has little to do with drudgery, and lots to do with knowing a trade inside out.

Examples of journeyman in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'journeyman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from journey journey, a day's labor + man

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Articles Related to journeyman

image987777399

Know Your Baseball Idioms

Our national pastime. No, the other one.

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Dictionary Entries Near journeyman

journeycake

journeys accounts

Cite this Entry

“Journeyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journeyman. Accessed 29 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of journeyman, more from merriam-webster on journeyman.

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for journeyman

Nglish: Translation of journeyman for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about journeyman

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, more commonly mispronounced words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), popular in wordplay, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, flower etymologies for your spring garden, 12 star wars words, 'swash', 'praya', and 12 more beachy words, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Advertisement

Dreaming about traveling here's what it means, according to experts.

Sarah Regan

When it comes to dream interpretation, so much of it depends on the context and finer details of the dream. To dream about traveling is no exception, with a myriad of variations that can change the meaning of the dream . So, we asked experts about a few of their top interpretations for travel dreams—here's what they had to say.

Dream interpretation.

Before diving in, it's worth noting that any scientific validity to dream interpretation is sparse. Generally, dreams are thought of as a means of memory consolidation and potentially even "predicting" the future (i.e., our brains running through potential scenarios that could happen).

Nevertheless, we've all had dreams that seemed a bit too relevant to our waking lives, raising the question, What was that dream trying to tell me? Only you can truly understand what the symbols in your dreams mean to you, but there are still some common tropes in dreams that interpreters take to have specific meanings.

7 reasons you're dreaming about traveling:

You're craving freedom..

According to dream expert  Leslie Ellis, Ph.D., dreaming about travel can indicate that you're on a quest for freedom. "In this pandemic era where travel has been so restricted, travel dreams could be some form of vicarious way of gaining freedom of movement," she says, adding, "Freud was not entirely wrong about dreams being a form of wish fulfillment, at least some of the time."

You're experiencing some kind of movement in your life.

Along with a craving for freedom, travel dreams can also suggest there's some sort of movement or momentum happening in your life. "Traveling usually represents forward movement—progress in some area," notes professional dream interpreter  Lauri Loewenberg . And as Ellis adds, this "movement" could be personal or professional, as well as actual geographical movement.

You feel in control.

If you're traveling in a vehicle in your dream and it's running smoothly, Loewenberg tells mbg that can mean you feel in control of some aspect of your life. "You want to be driving the car, for example, because that's letting you know that whatever issue this dream is commenting on, you're in control of it," she explains.

You feel out of control.

On the other hand, Loewenberg says, if the car is having some hiccups, such as malfunctioning brakes, "that's a good indication that you're having a hard time getting something started in your real life, or you don't have a good handle on whatever path of progression this is connected to."

She adds that if you're driving a car in your dream and get into an accident, this can mean you're experiencing a sort of emotional or energy crash in your life.

You're experiencing some sort of ending.

Crashes or accidents in travel dreams can also mean something is on the verge of coming to an end in your life (or already has), Loewenberg notes.

The theme of endings existing within travel dreams can also relate to life stages and death, Ellis explains. "They can, at the far end of the journey, indicate preparation for death. There are many accounts of dreams easing people into the final stages of their life , preparing them in ways that tend to be calming and spiritual," she notes.

You're advancing in your career (or thinking about it).

According to Loewenberg, dreams about traveling in a plane , more often than not, are related to your career path, "because the plane takes off and we want our careers to take off and reach new levels." Planes can also represent your spiritual or religious path , she adds.

You're searching for something.

And lastly, depending on your destination, travel dreams can mean you're looking for something in your life. "If your destination is a beach, for example, that means you're trying to reach a place in your life where you are having peace of mind," Loewenberg explains. Or maybe you're traveling to a hospital, which would indicate you're on a healing path, she adds.

Interpretations based on travel companions:

Family members..

With the previous interpretations in mind, it's also important to consider who's accompanying you in the dream. In the case of family members, Ellis says, this could relate to feeling of moving on, or moving forward, as it relates to the family members in the dream.

A romantic partner.

Loewenberg says dreaming about traveling with a partner can offer good insight into how the relationship is going and how you both are reacting within the relationship. "Pay attention to who's behind the wheel and how well the vehicle is moving forward," she suggests, for example.

If you're on a boat, she adds they often represent our relationships. (Relation-"ship," get it?) "A ship or a boat will be commenting on a relationship more than any other vehicle because it travels on water, and water tends to represent the emotional self," Loewenberg explains.

In that case, are you on an extravagant cruise liner that's sailing smoothly? Or are you in a broken-down boat that's sinking fast ? You can guess which one indicates a relationship is heading south.

Co-workers.

If you're dreaming about work colleagues, Ellis says this situates the dream story in the world of work. "Again, it can be telling to look at the mode of travel, ease of transport, and nature of the destination," she notes. Ask yourself if you're getting to where you want to go. "This can be a big life question. Are the people you are with helping or hindering your progress?" Ellis adds.

Traveling solo.

Of course, there's a chance you'll be traveling solo in your dream, as well. Loewenberg says a common vehicle in travel dreams is a bike or motorcycle, which are, of course, single-passenger vehicles. This would be a dream about a path you are on alone that doesn't affect anyone else, she explains.

"You also have to have good balance to operate a bicycle or a motorcycle, so take a good look at your emotional balance or anything you're trying to balance in your life," Ellis adds.

The bottom line.

Dreaming about travel isn't uncommon—and interpreting these dreams always comes down to their context. With these potential interpretations at the ready, you're all set to open your mind to the world of your travel dreams—and consider how they relate to your reality.

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 limbs of yoga - what is asana.

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How plants can optimize athletic performance.

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

How ayurveda helps us navigate modern life.

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

More on this topic.

How Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles Stays Resilient

How Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles Stays Resilient

Alexandra Engler

In A Financial Pinch? 7 Small Savings Tips That Add Up To Big Savings

In A Financial Pinch? 7 Small Savings Tips That Add Up To Big Savings

Sheryl Nance-Nash

Are You An Introvert? Here's How To Tell (And What Type) From Psychology Experts

Are You An Introvert? Here's How To Tell (And What Type) From Psychology Experts

Sarah Regan

3 Tips To Live A Stronger, Not Just Longer Life Starting Now

3 Tips To Live A Stronger, Not Just Longer Life Starting Now

Jason Wachob

Found: A Non-Greasy Body Oil That Makes Arms & Legs Glow

Found: A Non-Greasy Body Oil That Makes Arms & Legs Glow

Women Over 50 Say This Natural Treatment Brings Life Back To Dull, Thinning Hair

Women Over 50 Say This Natural Treatment Brings Life Back To Dull, Thinning Hair

Carleigh Ferrante

How Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles Stays Resilient

Popular Stories

a journey what does it mean

What Does It Mean to Dream About Birds Flying

H ave you ever wondered why, in the hushed tranquility of night, your subconscious mind decides to paint vivid images of birds soaring through the sky? It's a curious topic, isn't it?

You're not alone in pondering the meaning of flying birds in dreams. The intriguing world of dream interpretation suggests that these avian apparitions may hold more significance than you might initially think.

As we unravel the symbolism of birds in dreams, we will explore their general interpretations, the significance of different bird species, and the potential negative implications. You may find that these nocturnal flights of fancy offer remarkable insights into your waking life.

Prepare to embark on an intriguing journey that may well change your perspective on a good night's sleep.

Understanding Dream Symbolism

Delving into dream symbolism, it's crucial to understand that birds flying in your dreams can represent a myriad of interpretations based on various factors. Dream symbolism origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where dreams were seen as messages from gods. These metaphoric messages are a form of unconscious mind exploration, giving you a peek into your deepest thoughts, fears, and desires.

The flight of birds, for instance, might symbolize freedom or escape, but it could also signify a desire for higher knowledge or spiritual enlightenment. Remember, your personal context is key in deciphering these symbols. So, when you're trying to unravel the meaning, consider your emotional response to the dream, your life circumstances, and your individual associations with birds and flight.

The Role of Birds in Dreams

In your dreams, birds often play a pivotal role, symbolizing your emotions, aspirations, and perceptions of freedom or confinement. They're not just random elements; they carry significant avian symbolism.

To interpret this, think about bird communication. It's a language of its own, conveying messages of hope, fear, or change, directly mirroring your feelings and experiences.

A flock of birds ascending might represent your desire for liberation, while a lone bird trapped might symbolize feelings of isolation or confinement. By understanding these symbols, you're empowered to delve deeper into your subconscious, unravelling your hidden anxieties, dreams, and aspirations.

Birds in Dreams: General Interpretations

Interpreting bird dreams hinges on the context, the type of bird, and your personal feelings during the dream, offering you a unique window into your subconscious mind. It's essential to consider:

  • Bird Communication Dreams : These dreams might suggest you're grappling with self-expression or communication issues.
  • Avian Behavior Symbolism : The actions of the bird in your dream hold significance. A flying bird might symbolize freedom or ambition.
  • Type of Bird : Different birds can represent different things. A soaring eagle might suggest power or success, while a chirping sparrow could signify joy or contentment.
  • Your Feelings : Were you fearful, elated, or calm in your dream? Your emotions can provide additional layers of interpretation to your bird dreams.

Interpreting Dreams of Flying Birds

When you dream about birds soaring in the sky, it's time to decode the message your subconscious mind is trying to send. The birds' behaviors in your dream reflect your current mindset and emotional state. Take note of the dream intensity – a vivid dream could signify a pressing issue or strong desire. A fleeting dream might just be your mind's way of processing daily thoughts.

If the birds are soaring high, it could represent your aspirations or your desire for freedom. A bird struggling to fly might symbolize challenges in your waking life. Interpreting these dreams isn't an exact science, but they can provide insights about your inner thoughts and feelings.

Tune into your dreams, they're often more meaningful than you think.

The Significance of Different Bird Species

Building on the idea of avian symbolism in dreams, let's consider specifically how different species of birds might carry unique interpretations and significance.

  • Sparrows symbolize joy, protection, and simplicity. Their presence in dreams could mean you're seeking simplicity in your life.
  • Eagles, known for their strength and majesty, could signify your desire for freedom or mastery. Their migration patterns might symbolize a significant transition or journey.
  • Crows, often associated with mystery and transformation, might suggest your subconscious is trying to communicate a hidden truth.
  • Doves, symbols of peace and love, could indicate a longing for harmony.

Color of Birds and Their Meanings

Delving into the symbolism of bird colors can offer a deeper layer of meaning to your avian dreams. Avian hues in psychology are often linked to our subconscious feelings and thoughts. For instance, dreaming of red birds could indicate your passion or anger, while blue birds symbolize tranquility and peace.

Yellow birds, on the other hand, could stand for joy and optimism. Bird color symbolism doesn't just stop at primary colors; each shade and hue might carry its own significance. Green birds could imply growth and renewal, whereas black birds might represent mystery or the unknown.

It's essential to consider these color meanings when interpreting your bird dreams, as they can provide nuanced insights into your inner state.

Interaction With Birds in Dreams

In your dreams, how you interact with birds can offer a wealth of insights into your emotional and psychological state. Consider the following aspects of bird communication and avian behaviors:

  • Feeding Birds : If you're feeding birds in your dream, it could symbolize nourishment of your ideas or emotions.
  • Birds Singing : Hearing birds sing may represent joy, harmony, and balance in your life.
  • Chasing after Birds : This could portray a sense of yearning for freedom or the pursuit of lofty goals.
  • Birds Attacking : This suggests feeling threatened or overwhelmed in your waking life.

These interactions can provide a deep understanding of your subconscious mind, potentially guiding you towards personal growth and self-discovery.

Dreams of Birds in Various Cultures

While understanding your personal interaction with birds in dreams can provide insightful revelations, it's also fascinating to note how various cultures perceive dreams of birds.

Delving into the realm of cultural avian myths and bird-related folklore, you'll find a rich tapestry of interpretations. For instance, many Native American tribes see birds as messengers from the spirit world, so dreaming of them could signify divine guidance.

In Celtic tradition, birds in dreams often symbolize freedom and transcendence.

Meanwhile, Asian cultures, particularly China and Japan, view birds as symbols of good fortune and longevity. Therefore, dreams about birds could be auspicious.

These diverse interpretations underscore how cultural contexts can deeply influence our understanding of dreams.

Psychological Perspectives on Bird Dreams

From a psychological standpoint, your dreams about birds might be unfolding a rich narrative about your inner psyche and emotional state. Bird behavior analysis can offer meaningful insights into this process.

  • Unconscious bird symbolism may represent freedom or escape. If you're feeling trapped, your subconscious might send you dreams of birds soaring high.
  • Dreaming of birds can also symbolize your aspirations. A bird taking flight might reflect your ambitions, and your readiness to pursue them.
  • If you see a bird trapped or injured, it may reflect feelings of confinement or frustration.
  • Birds can also symbolize communication. So, a singing bird in your dream might indicate a message from your subconscious.

Spiritual Significance of Bird Dreams

Beyond the psychological implications of bird dreams, there's a profound spiritual significance often attached to these night-time visions.

In many religious traditions, avian symbolism plays a key role, serving as messengers or divine representatives. Dreaming of birds flying could represent your spiritual longing or ascension to higher consciousness. However, bird related phobias may alter this interpretation.

If you're afraid of birds, your dream could denote spiritual fear or resistance. Analyzing these dreams requires understanding your personal beliefs and fears, as well as the cultural or religious symbolism of the specific bird.

Dreams of Birds and Personal Freedom

In the realm of dreams, birds often symbolize an inherent desire for personal freedom and autonomy. This association might be due to their ability to soar high in the sky, unrestricted by earthly constraints. You may find this symbolism reflected in your dreams in several ways:

  • Birds' songs : The melodious tunes can represent your voice yearning for liberation.
  • Flying : This could signify your wish to escape from the confines of daily life.
  • Feeding : Birds' survival instincts, mirrored in your dreams, might suggest your strive to sustain your independence.
  • Nesting : This could symbolize your quest for a secure space where you can exercise your freedom without fear.

These dream symbols offer profound insights into your subconscious desires and aspirations for personal liberation.

Negative Implications of Bird Dreams

While bird dreams often symbolize personal freedom, they're not always positive and can sometimes hint at underlying fears or insecurities. Avian nightmares, for instance, can be quite unsettling. They could signify a sense of entrapment or a fear of being controlled. You may be feeling anxious about losing your freedom or independence.

Bird symbolism in nightmares can also suggest impending danger or an ominous threat in your life. If the birds are aggressive or attacking, it could indicate that you're grappling with internal conflicts or external pressures. So, even in the realm of dreams, not all flights are liberating.

Understanding these negative implications can help you navigate your emotions and challenges in your waking life.

Dreams of Birds as Omens

Shifting our focus from the darker side of bird dreams, let's explore their potential as omens, revealing insights into your future or aspects of your current situation that you may not yet fully comprehend.

  • Birds' behaviors : Birds' actions in dreams often symbolize life's path. A bird flying high might indicate success or freedom, while a bird diving warns of potential danger.
  • Color symbolism : A white bird might symbolize peace, purity, or new beginnings. A black bird, however, may suggest mystery or the unknown.
  • Numbers of birds : Multiple birds can signify abundance or overwhelming situations.
  • Mythical birds : Dreaming of mythical birds like the phoenix or griffin often denote transformation, rebirth, or strength.

Dreams of Birds and Transformation

Bird dreams, particularly those involving mythical creatures, often symbolize profound transformation and change in your life. This interpretation is rooted in the birds' symbolism across cultures as messengers of change. They're seen as catalysts, prompting you to shed old ways and adopt new perspectives.

Dream analysis can help decipher these symbols further, making the transformation's nature clearer. Are you dreaming of a Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, or an Eagle, embodying power and freedom? Such details are crucial for interpretation.

Personal Reflections on Bird Dreams

Reflecting on your bird dreams, you might find they provide unique insights into your personal development and transformation journey. Their behaviors and dream symbolism can offer profound understanding. Consider the following:

  • Birds Flying High : This could symbolize your desire for freedom or reaching new heights in your personal or professional life.
  • Birds in a Flock : This might represent your longing for community, or your sense of belonging.
  • Birds Singing : This could be a reflection of your inner joy, creativity, or a longing for self-expression.
  • Birds Building a Nest : This might suggest you're ready to build a family, a home, or a safe space in your life.

Ultimately, dreaming about birds flying can be a potent symbol of freedom, transcendence, or a shift in perception.

However, the interpretation can vary depending on the bird species or context.

Negative implications may indicate fears or worries while positive ones suggest transformation or spiritual growth.

It's crucial to personally reflect on these bird dreams, as they could be omens or messages from your subconscious mind.

Always remember, your dreams are unique to your life experiences and perspectives.

The post What Does It Mean to Dream About Birds Flying appeared first on Sarah Scoop .

Dreaming about birds flying? Here's what it could mean and how it connects to your life and emotions.

What does 000 mean? Angel number meaning and symbolism for work, relationships and more

a journey what does it mean

Before any number, there is zero. As a result, in numerology, zero is often associated with potential and possibilities, and all that comes before the changes. If zeros keep popping up in your life anywhere from receipts to invoices, these appearances may be signaling new opportunities and possibilities.

These repeating number sequences, known as angel numbers , are used as guides for deeper spiritual exploration. From zero to nine, each numeral has its own significance. 

In a conversation with professional numerologist Novalee Wilder , USA TODAY dives deeper into the number zero and its angel number meaning, including how it can impact your relationships and careers. 

What are angel numbers? Beginner's guide to angel numbers and what they (could) mean.

What does 000 mean?

Angel number 000 signals that something is coming and the potential behind this change. 

Is it in the stars? Free Daily and Monthly Horoscopes

"Usually, I see zeros as a pause," said Wilder. "Maybe you're percolating an idea in your head like something is simmering. You're gathering supplies or gathering energy. Seeing a lot of zero is just potential." 

Maybe you're seeing more job listings on LinkedIn, giving you the push to apply. Or considering saying "yes" to a friend who won't stop talking about setting you up on a blind date. 

Zero often makes appearances prior to the upcoming shifts, rather than signifying they are already underway.

"It's before anything else is happening, zero shows up," said Wilder. "It's like the seed of life." 

The angel number can also mean to slow down and consider your choices before making any decisions. It emphasizes working things out for a better timeline and weighing your options. 

What does 111 mean? Why you keep seeing it and how it will help you manifest your power.

What does 222 mean? Angel number meaning and symbolism in your life, love and career.

Relationships

Since 000 is heavily associated with possibility and the unknown, it's important to remember not to fall in love with someone's potential in relationships. 

Be sure to assess all sides of forthcoming opportunities, especially when it comes to relationships. Think of it like trying on new clothes, said Wilder. Ask yourself questions about what you want out of this new relationship. List your values, wants and needs.

"Does he like me, or will they pick me?" said Wilder. "Instead, sometimes the question is, 'Do I like him?'"

The repeating appearance of 000 reminds us to take whatever view you have and flip it. While your mind may be seeing the potential one way, the universe may be presenting it in another. 

What does 333 mean? Get to know the angel number that will help you get unstuck.

'Phoenix energy': 444 angel number meaning and its role in your life

Much like in relationships, 000 reminds you to weigh your options in the workplace. When applying to a new job, remember to adjust your mindset. Think back to the list of things you want to know about this opportunity. 

"Instead of thinking, 'I really got to impress them,' remember to make your little list of things to ask about," said Wilder. "Why is this position available? What happened to the last person who had this position? How long do people usually stay?" These are good questions to ask.

By doing this, it will help you assess whether this role is worth it. The angel number 000 allows you to see a situation for what it is worth and the possibilities that come with it, but it also recognizes the value of something as it is, not what it can be.  

A change is coming. What angel number 555 means for your relationships and work life.

What does 777 mean? This is one angel number that means it might be time to slow down.

The endless potential of 000 is a major positive to encountering the angel number, said Wilder. 

Just as the universe is infinitely creative, so are the possibilities in your life. If you are seeing a lot of 000 in your life, the universe if presenting that something better is on its way. 

If one door closes, another one will surely open, and that is what 000 reminds us. 

"It doesn't really matter if not this thing, then something else," said Wilder. "If whatever big thing you're working on is not working out, then there must be a better timeline." 

What is your zodiac sign? Horoscopes, astrology, and what the stars says about you

Weaknesses 

While open creativity is wonderful, there's also a downside. There may be great options coming your way, but there may also be not so great ones. 

Don't put your eggs in one basket, said Wilder. When one opportunity presents itself, do not jump to take it just because it seems the best at the time; a greater one could be coming, you just have to wait. 

Additionally, all these signs could be pointing that something is on its way but it never seems to pan out. While zero is infinite, it is also empty, said Wilder. Without contemplating or considering the situation at hand, you may jump in too early.

Take the time to find your incentive to push you along the journey that the angel number 000 is signaling. "It needs something else to join it," Wilder said. 

What does 888 mean? Its angel number meaning in relationships, career and life.

What does 999 mean? Angel number meaning and symbolism for life, love and more.

Get to know the angel numbers

000 | 111 | 222 | 333 | 444 | 555 | 777 | 888 | 999

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Article Search

Attorney search, search articles, find attorneys, notarizing documents for seniors with a dementia diagnosis.

  • By Phillip W. Browne, National Notary Association
  • September 11th, 2023

Older man signs legal documents while loved one sits next to him.

What Does It Mean to Get a Document Notarized?

According to the National Notary Association , having a document notarized is a process that ensures the document is authentic. The Notary serves as an impartial screener who confirms the identity, willingness, and awareness of the person signing the document.

There are vital issues and implications to be aware of when having documents notarized for individuals with dementia.

Notarizing for a Person With Dementia: A Legal Gray Area

Having documents notarized for seniors with dementia leads to some legal gray areas. There are no laws that prohibit having documents notarized for individuals with cognitive impairments. However, the role of a Notary Public extends beyond the procedural formalities.

Local Elder Law Attorneys in Your City

Elder Law Attorney

Firm Name City, State

Notarizing documents for anyone who is cognitively impaired also comes with a dramatically increased risk for both fraud and elder abuse. This is an issue that Notaries are highly aware of and protect against.

Notaries must assess whether their document signers understand and are aware of the nature of the documents, their contents, and their details. They also must verify the signer’s identity.

Notaries must screen each signer to ensure they are signing the document willingly. The signer cannot be under the pressure or direction of any third party.

The Notary will refuse to notarize a document if they find that any of these conditions fail to meet the standard.

It’s critical for families to act ethically and responsibly in notarizing important documents for their aging loved ones with dementia. If your loved one is facing a dementia diagnosis, establish legal clarity as soon as possible to avoid uncertainties later.

How to Prep When Having Documents Notarized

The following tips will help you prepare :

  • Make sure the Notary visits the signer at a time when they are cognitively aware.
  • Arrange for the signer to meet privately with the Notary.
  • Confirm what type of notarization you need on specific legal documents. If you need anything clarified, check with your attorney or the document recipient.
  • Ensure the signer is prepared to present their identification. They also must be able to sign the document, if necessary, as well as the Notary’s record book. Some states also require a fingerprint impression.
  • Ensure there are no blank spaces or dates on the documents. To combat fraud, a Notary will refuse to notarize if required entries are blank.

Legal Documents to Have Notarized for Dementia Diagnosis

Certain legal documents, more commonly notarized for seniors, serve the person’s wishes and protect them from undue influence. Those documents include the following:

Power of Attorney (General vs. Durable)

A power of attorney grants authority to a trusted individual to make financial and legal decisions on behalf of someone else. A general power of attorney is effective immediately. In contrast, a durable power of attorney remains in effect even if the signer becomes unable to handle their affairs.

Health Care Power of Attorney

This document designates a representative to make medical decisions when the individual is unable to do so. You may also hear it referred to as a health care proxy . Notarizing it ensures that all parties will respect the signer’s health care preferences.

Living Will

A living will outlines end-of-life medical preferences. Having it notarized provides assurance that medical choices align with the signer’s wishes.

Guardianship/Conservatorship

In cases where dementia has advanced significantly, establishing a legal guardian or conservator for your loved one. In securing notarized documents, you can ensure that the guardian responsibly manages your loved one’s financial and personal affairs.

Will or Trust

Notarizing a will or trust guarantees the proper distribution of assets after your loved one’s passing, minimizing potential disputes.

HIPAA Release Form

A HIPAA release form grants specific individuals access to the signer’s medical information, aiding health care decisions.

Financial Account Designations

You may also want to ensure that all parties will handle your loved one’s financial matters according to their preferences. To do this, you can work with a Notary to notarize designations on your loved one’s financial accounts.

Act Before It’s Too Late

The absence of specific laws surrounding notarial acts and dementia highlights the importance of being proactive. Waiting until the last moment to have something notarized may lead to legal difficulties or disputes.

As soon as you receive confirmation of your loved one’s dementia diagnosis, initiate the process of having key legal documents notarized. It’s essential you do this while your loved one can still articulate their wishes. This way, you can help protect them while reducing potential family conflicts.

Phillip W. Browne is the vice president of communications at the National Notary Association. [email protected] The NNA is the leading organization providing training, support, supplies, and advocacy for America’s 4.4 million Notaries Public. Since 1957, the NNA has been committed to serving Notaries and their employers throughout the United States by imparting knowledge, building community, and promoting sound professional standards of practice for the benefit and protection of the public.

Related Articles

5 planning pointers for parents with disabled children.

A parent is irreplaceable, but someone will have to fill in if the worst happens.

Guns and Dementia: Dealing With A Loved One's Firearms

Having a loved one with dementia can be scary, but if you add in a firearm, it can also get dangerous. ?To prevent harm to bo...

Daily Money Managers Can Help Assist Seniors with Financial Matters

Having difficulty keeping on top of your bills? Maybe a daily money manager can help. . .

47 Secret Veterans' Benefits for Seniors

Many veterans don't realize all the benefits available to them. This book provides older veterans with insider tips to help t...

Editor's Suggested Articles

Need more information? Subscribe to Elder Law Updates.

Medicaid 101

What medicaid covers.

In addition to nursing home care, Medicaid may cover home care and some care in an assisted living facility. Coverage in your state may depend on waivers of federal rules.

How to Qualify for Medicaid

To be eligible for Medicaid long-term care, recipients must have limited incomes and no more than $2,000 (in most states). Special rules apply for the home and other assets.

Medicaid’s Protections for Spouses

Spouses of Medicaid nursing home residents have special protections to keep them from becoming impoverished.

Medicaid Planning Strategies

Careful planning for potentially devastating long-term care costs can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children.

Estate Recovery: Can Medicaid Take My House After I’m Gone?

If steps aren't taken to protect the Medicaid recipient's house from the state’s attempts to recover benefits paid, the house may need to be sold.

Help Qualifying and Paying for Medicaid, Or Avoiding Nursing Home Care

There are ways to handle excess income or assets and still qualify for Medicaid long-term care, and programs that deliver care at home rather than in a nursing home.

Are Adult Children Responsible for Their Parents’ Care?

Most states have laws on the books making adult children responsible if their parents can't afford to take care of themselves.

Applying for Medicaid

Applying for Medicaid is a highly technical and complex process, and bad advice can actually make it more difficult to qualify for benefits.

Alternatives to Medicaid

Medicare's coverage of nursing home care is quite limited. For those who can afford it and who can qualify for coverage, long-term care insurance is the best alternative to Medicaid.

Most Recent Medicaid Articles

Elderlaw 101, estate planning.

Distinguish the key concepts in estate planning, including the will, the trust, probate, the power of attorney, and how to avoid estate taxes.

Grandchildren

Learn about grandparents’ visitation rights and how to avoid tax and public benefit issues when making gifts to grandchildren.

Understand when and how a court appoints a guardian or conservator for an adult who becomes incapacitated, and how to avoid guardianship.

Health Care Decisions

We need to plan for the possibility that we will become unable to make our own medical decisions. This may take the form of a health care proxy, a medical directive, a living will, or a combination of these.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Understand the ins and outs of insurance to cover the high cost of nursing home care, including when to buy it, how much to buy, and which spouse should get the coverage.

Learn who qualifies for Medicare, what the program covers, all about Medicare Advantage, and how to supplement Medicare’s coverage.

Retirement Planning

We explain the five phases of retirement planning, the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA, types of investments, asset diversification, the required minimum distribution rules, and more.

Senior Living

Find out how to choose a nursing home or assisted living facility, when to fight a discharge, the rights of nursing home residents, all about reverse mortgages, and more.

Social Security

Get a solid grounding in Social Security, including who is eligible, how to apply, spousal benefits, the taxation of benefits, how work affects payments, and SSDI and SSI.

Special Needs Planning

Learn how a special needs trust can preserve assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI, and how to plan for when caregivers are gone.

Veterans Benefits

Explore benefits for older veterans, including the VA’s disability pension benefit, aid and attendance, and long-term care coverage for veterans and surviving spouses.

Most Recent ElderLaw Articles

Supreme Court rules on criminalization of homeless camping. What it means for Kentucky

a journey what does it mean

  • The Supreme Court ruled Friday that cities can criminalize camping by homeless people who have nowhere else to go.
  • The new Supreme Court ruling means Kentucky will likely be able to implement a new law criminalizing homeless camping beginning July 15.
  • Around 4,800 people were homeless in Kentucky as of January 2023, according to an annual count led by the Kentucky Housing Corporation.

Can cities criminalize camping by homeless people who have nowhere else to go?

Yes, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday in a 6-3 decision.

Though the case originated thousands of miles away in Oregon , it has implications for the Bluegrass State. 

The Supreme Court ruling means Kentucky will likely be able to implement a law criminalizing homeless camping that takes effect July 15. The new law is part of the Safer Kentucky Act , a wide-ranging criminal law reform bill adopted by the legislature earlier this year over Gov. Andy Beshear's veto.

“The Supreme Court's ruling ignores decades of precedent protecting Kentuckians from the cruel and unusual punishment of criminalizing homelessness,” said Kevin Munch, a fellow at the ACLU of Kentucky. “Homelessness can happen to anyone, and we are disappointed the Court has taken the extraordinary step of ignoring precedent to support punishing unhoused people simply for existing.” 

Here’s a look at what the U.S. Supreme Court decision says and what it means for Kentucky: 

What is City of Grants Pass v. Johnson about?

Grants Pass is a city of around 38,000 residents in Southern Oregon that passed an ordinance to punish people with fines and jail time for sleeping in public. 

Attorneys for several homeless people — among them Gloria Johnson, for whom the case is named — challenged the ordinance, saying it criminalizes homelessness because people sleeping in public had nowhere else to go. 

At issue in the case was whether criminal punishments for camping in public constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment . 

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of plaintiff Johnson, saying the Grants Pass ordinance did constitute cruel and unusual punishment and blocking the city from enforcing it. That conflict led to the current Supreme Court case .

Attorneys for the Oregon city say unless they can enforce the ordinance,  homeless encampments will overrun the city’s sidewalks and parks .

What does the Supreme Court's decision say?

The majority opinion, authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, holds that the Grant Pass regulations criminalizing camping by homeless people do not violate the Eight Amendment.

That's in part because a first offense of the Grants Pass camping law garners only a civil fine, Gorsuch wrote, and a person would be imprisoned under the law only after multiple violations.

"At the end of the day, the fact that thousands of municipalities supported Grants Pass’s methods was probably compelling to the majority of justices," University of Kentucky law professor Raquel Wilson told The Courier Journal.

Justices Sonia Sotmayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.

"Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime. For some people, sleeping outside is their only option," Sotomayor wrote, terming the Grants Pass law "unconscionable and unconstitutional."

What does the Grants Pass decision mean for Kentucky?

State lawmakers this year passed a sweeping criminal justice reform bill called the Safer Kentucky Act , which would criminalize homeless camping like Grants Pass did. 

The Safer Kentucky Act outlaws “unlawful camping” on public or private streets, in parks and in many other locations without permission. The first offense is a violation, which can be punished with a fine. Subsequent offenses are Class B misdemeanors, which can be punished with fines and prison time. 

The Supreme Court’s decision means the Kentucky law will likely take effect as planned next month.

Louisville city leaders have taken an aggressive stance against homeless camps , clearing them even when local shelters are full and as temperatures reach dangerously high levels .

What are Kentuckians saying about the Supreme Court's decision? 

Kentucky advocates for unhoused people said the decision will not help solve the problem.

Solving homelessness requires an increased supply of affordable housing, Adrienne Bush, executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, said in a statement.

"The Supreme Court’s opinion that fining and jailing people for being homeless is legal still doesn’t make it right — or effective," Bush wrote. "Attempts to pathologize individuals for failing in a housing market in which too many of us are struggling are a cruel distraction from the real solutions that start with abundant housing supply."

Maurice Noe, a leader with VOCAL-KY, a grassroots advocacy group for low-income people, added resources used for arresting homeless people would be better spent helping them find housing or providing other services.

"As someone who has lived on Louisville’s streets, I can confidently say this will only harm our friends and family struggling to get off our streets," Noe said in a statement.

Other Kentuckians hailed the court's decision.

"What we have been doing in Louisville is neither safe nor compassionate, so the legislature passed the Safer Kentucky Act this year to protect our people and their property and to actually work to treat the homeless," said Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville. He said the new law will help push homeless people into mental health or addiction treatment.

Those views were echoed by Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, the Safer Kentucky Act's main sponsor. He said the decision "embodies a compassionate approach towards our homeless population" and praised the Supreme Court for recognizing "the public safety and private property interests involved in this complex issue."

Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, also approved of the decision. He said the new Kentucky law will allow judges to divert people charged with unlawful camping into mental health or addiction treatment.

"That could be "the 'nudge' that ultimately saves their lives," Hodgson said. He also pointed out the Kentucky law allows local governments to designate "temporary camping zones" that must include clean water and toilets.

Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, opposed many provisions of the Safer Kentucky Act, even though many in the Republican Party supported it. On social media, he said he was "disappointed" in the court's ruling, and he hopes next year's General Assembly will "enact compassionate legislation that aims to cure homelessness instead of criminalizing it.”

How many people are homeless in Kentucky?

Around 4,800 people were homeless in Kentucky as of January 2023, according to an annual count led by the Kentucky Housing Corporation . Of those, 1,470 were unsheltered. Others were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

Many of those unsheltered people are here in Louisville . Just under 600 people were living without shelter during a “point in time” count in Louisville in January of this year, with another 1,133 staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing.  

That data is a snapshot of just one night. The total number of people who experience homelessness each year is much higher. For example, during a one-year period ending in September 2022, more than 11,000 people sought homeless-related services in Louisville, according to data from the Louisville Coalition for the Homeless .

Louisville has five emergency homeless shelters open to most homeless adults, but those are almost always full or nearly full,  data from the Louisville Coalition from the Homeless shows .

Reach Rebecca Grapevine at [email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @RebGrapevine.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Dark Matter's Ending Clearly Begs For a World Beyond The Book

The Dessens story has taken a turn. But what about the other multiverse travelers?

Dayo Okeniyi in 'Dark Matter.'

After several different universes and a plethora of alternate versions of Jason Dessen , Dark Matter has reached its Season 1 finale with the explosive episode, “Entanglement.” In terms of material that comes straight from Blake Crouch’s original novel, Dark Matter has now arrived at the end of the story told on the page. But because the Apple TV+ series has expanded, and outright added new elements to the tapestry of these various parallel worlds, there now seems like various new directions the story could take, with or without the Dessen family being directly involved.

Here’s how Dark Matter wrapped up Season 1, what the ending means, how it changes the book, and what it all could mean for a hypothetical Season 2.

Spoilers ahead.

Dark Matter ending explained

Jennifer Connelly and Oakes Fegley in 'Dark Matter.'

Daniela (Jennifer Connelly ) and Charlie (Oakes Fegley ) make a hard choice in the Dark Matter finale.

After reuniting with his true family, Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), Charlie (Oakes Fegley), and Jason 1 (Joel Edgerton) — or at least the character we think of as Jason 1 — hole up in a vacation home owned by one of Charlie’s friends. As in the novel, after accessing a group chat consisting of hundreds of versions of himself, Jason realizes he can’t hide from his various other selves anymore. Unlike Jason 2, all of these Jasons were derived from the moment of the switch that occurred in the first episode. Each Jason splintered into other versions as they traveled through the multiverse in the box, but all have the same memories up until a certain point.

This existential crisis becomes a literal one, as various violent versions of Jason pursue the family, and are only fended off by the intercession of a reformed Jason 2. This previously evil Jason then supplies Jason 1, Daniela, and Charlie with enough ampoules and supplies so they can enter the box and find a new world. When the family arrives at the box, they discover several peaceful versions of Jason, all of who received Daniela’s message about having “made a choice” to stay with Jason 1. Eventually, they all stand aside and let the family enter the box where Charlie chooses the next world that they’ll enter.

That specific ending — in which Charlie is the one to open the door to a new dimension — comes straight from the novel. But, intercut with this moment is a whole world of possibilities from beyond the pages of the book.

All around the multiverse

Jimmi Simpson as Ryan in 'Dark Matter.'

Could Dark Matter Season 2 focus on Ryan’s journey?

In the final moments of the show, we see that the Leighton (Dayo Okeniy) from Jason 1’s universe is still traveling through the box, looking as though he’s been to several worlds. At the same time, one version of Blair (Amanda Brugel ) — from a world that was ravaged by strange airborne creatures — seems determined to enter the box again and try to find a better world.

And, most surprisingly, a version of Ryan (Jimmi Simpson), who was previously exiled to a utopian timeline in Episode 6, finds Amanda (Alice Braga), who, coincidentally, decided to stay in this ideal world in Episode 7. We also see Ryan creating a version of the compound that can be used to create the ampoules, which allow people to exist in superposition inside the box. This means that the first version of Ryan we met, from the first universe, has now found Amanda from Jason 2’s world, and they’re both about to (probably) team up in the utopian world.

Hints for Dark Matter Season 2

Alice Braga in 'Dark Matter'

Will Amanda (Alice Braga) really leave the utopian world?

While there’s been no official green light for Dark Matter Season 2, author and showrunner Blake Crouch told Inverse that “as the writer, I know these characters and I can imagine where they might go after,” and indicated there “could always be a Season 2.”

Clearly, with this final coda, Season 2 could hypothetically explore what all these secondary characters, separate and apart from the Dessens, could be doing on their own multiverse journeys. And while Blair and Leighton are on solo trips, the pairing of Amanda and Ryan feels pointed. Perhaps Crouch has some kind of idea of what these two could do, and whether or not Ryan actually wants to get back to his home dimension or not.

There is no book sequel to Dark Matter , but its season finale suggests that this take on the multiverse could get a lot bigger on TV.

Dark Matter Season 1 streams on Apple TV+.

  • Science Fiction

a journey what does it mean

Midwest Loan Services Logo

What Does MLS Mean to Me? A Reflection from Mark Brown, President & CEO of Midwest Loan Services

By: mark brown | president & ceo date: june 26, 2024.

Quote from MLS President and CEO Mark Brown

Image: Our President & CEO Mark Brown

As I embark on my journey with Midwest Loan Services (MLS), I am filled with excitement and a deep sense of purpose. Coming from very modest beginnings, with parents who worked full-time as a teacher and an insurance agent to afford our home, I learned to value the American dream of home ownership from an early age. This background allowed me to appreciate the significance of exceptional loan servicing in making homeownership a reality for countless individuals and families.

When I joined MLS as the President & CEO in January 2023, I knew I was stepping into a role that would challenge me to lead with integrity, vision, and compassion. With over two decades of experience in the industry, I had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of exceptional loan servicing and the positive impact it could have on the lives of borrowers and the success of our clients. Now, as I rise in responsibilities to lead this esteemed mortgage servicer, I am determined to expand on the legacy of customer service excellence that MLS is known for.

What sets MLS apart is our unwavering commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. We are constantly exploring new technologies, processes, and strategies to enhance our services and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. This spirit of innovation is deeply ingrained in our culture, and it drives us to push boundaries and find creative solutions to the challenges our clients face.

One of the most exciting developments since I joined MLS has been our expansion from our headquarters in Hancock, Michigan, to a new office in Jacksonville, Florida. This strategic move allows us to tap into the rich talent pool of mortgage servicing professionals in the Jacksonville area, while also positioning us closer to many of our clients in the southeastern United States. By expanding our footprint, we are better equipped to serve our clients with the local expertise and personalized attention they deserve. This expansion not only enhances our operational capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to assembling the best talent in the industry.

At the heart of our success lies our exceptional team, the true embodiment of what defines MLS. Our people are the driving force behind our achievements, and their passion, expertise, and dedication are unparalleled. I am incredibly proud to work alongside such talented and compassionate professionals who share our vision of making a positive impact in the lives of our clients and their borrowers.

As a leader, I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning at MLS. We invest heavily in the growth and development of our team, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to excel in their roles and reach their full potential. By empowering our people to be their best, we create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our organization.

Looking to the future, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for MLS. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our core values of integrity, innovation, and exceptional service. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, streamline our processes, and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our clients and their borrowers.

But more than anything, we will continue to put our clients and their borrowers at the center of everything we do. We will listen to their needs, anticipate their challenges, and work tirelessly to deliver solutions that exceed their expectations. This is the MLS way, and it is what defines us as an organization.

So, what does MLS mean to me? It means being part of a team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. It means embracing innovation and continuous improvement as a way of life. It means fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and compassion. And above all, it means never losing sight of the fact that behind every loan, there is a person, a family, and a dream.

I am incredibly proud to lead this remarkable organization and to work alongside such dedicated professionals. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and their borrowers, one loan at a time.

As we continue to grow and make a difference in the lives of our clients and their borrowers, I personally invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Whether you’re a potential client looking for a trusted partner in loan servicing, or a passionate professional seeking to make a meaningful impact in the industry, I would be honored to have you as part of the MLS family.

Reach out to me directly, and let’s discuss how we can work together to unlock the full potential of loan servicing and make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of those we serve. My door is always open, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Reach out to us to learn more about how our innovative solutions, exceptional service, and dedicated team can help you achieve your goals.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts.

How Mortgage Subservicing Benefits Lenders and Loan Originators

How Mortgage Subservicing Benefits Lenders and Loan Originators

How Can Outsourcing Mortgage Servicing Transform Member Loyalty for Credit Unions?

How Can Outsourcing Mortgage Servicing Transform Member Loyalty for Credit Unions?

Midwest Loan Services Logo

400 Quincy Street, 6th floor, Hancock MI, 49930

Customer Service: 800.262.6574

Welcome Borrowers

Helpful Resources

Equal Housing Lender Logo

© Copyright – 2024 | University Bank (Member FDIC), DBA Midwest Loan Services NMLS ID # 715685 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act (License #4131082) Terms of Use | Privacy Policy   |  Consumer Online Privacy Policy

IMAGES

  1. Life's a journey

    a journey what does it mean

  2. Meaning of Journey

    a journey what does it mean

  3. What is a Journey & How to Define YOUR Journey

    a journey what does it mean

  4. What Does It Mean to Go on a "Spiritual Journey?"

    a journey what does it mean

  5. 219 Life Is A Journey Quotes To Help You Through It

    a journey what does it mean

  6. Journey

    a journey what does it mean

VIDEO

  1. “TRUTH THAT LIFE IS A JOURNEY DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ENGAGE ON SAME JOURNEY

  2. The Journey Does Not Get Any Easier

COMMENTS

  1. Journey Definition & Meaning

    journey: [noun] something suggesting travel or passage from one place to another.

  2. JOURNEY Definition & Meaning

    Journey definition: a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; trip. See examples of JOURNEY used in a sentence.

  3. JOURNEY

    JOURNEY meaning: 1. the act of travelling from one place to another, especially in a vehicle: 2. a set of…. Learn more.

  4. JOURNEY

    JOURNEY definition: 1. the act of travelling from one place to another, especially in a vehicle: 2. a set of…. Learn more.

  5. Journey

    journey: 1 n the act of traveling from one place to another Synonyms: journeying Types: show 43 types... hide 43 types... commute a regular journey of some distance to and from your place of work drive , ride a journey in a vehicle (usually an automobile) long haul a journey over a long distance mush a journey by dogsled odyssey a long ...

  6. JOURNEY definition in American English

    1. a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage. 2. a. the distance travelled in a journey. b. the time taken to make a journey. verb. 3. (intransitive)

  7. Journey Definition & Meaning

    Journey definition: A process or course likened to traveling, such as a series of trying experiences; a passage.

  8. journey

    ADJECTIVES/NOUN + journey a car/plane/bus etc journey the six-hour train journey to London a long journey They arrived tired from their long journey. a difficult journey It was a difficult journey, especially in the winter months. a safe journey (= used especially to wish someone a good journey) Have a safe journey. an epic journey (= a very ...

  9. Journey Definition & Meaning

    plural journeys. Britannica Dictionary definition of JOURNEY. [count] : an act of traveling from one place to another : trip. a long journey across the country. a journey by train/bus. She's on the last leg of a six-month journey through Europe. We wished her a safe and pleasant journey. — often used figuratively.

  10. journey noun

    Synonyms trip trip journey tour expedition excursion outing day out These are all words for an act of travelling to a place. trip an act of travelling from one place to another, and usually back again:. a business trip; a five-minute trip by taxi; journey an act of travelling from one place to another, especially when they are a long way apart:. a long and difficult journey across the mountains

  11. JOURNEY

    JOURNEY definition: If you go on a journey, you travel from one place to another: . Learn more.

  12. journey noun

    3 (figurative) The book describes a spiritual journey from despair to happiness. Thesaurus trip. journey; tour; commute; expedition; excursion; outing; These are all words for an act of traveling to a place. trip an act of traveling from one place to another, and usually back again: a business trip a five-minute trip by taxi; journey an act of traveling from one place to another, especially ...

  13. Journey

    Define journey. journey synonyms, journey pronunciation, journey translation, English dictionary definition of journey. n. pl. jour·neys 1. a. The act of traveling from one place to another, especially when involving a considerable distance; a trip. b. A distance to be...

  14. journey

    journey - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

  15. journey verb

    It's a chance to journey through one of America's last wildernesses. Word Origin Middle English: from Old French jornee 'day, a day's travel, a day's work' (the earliest senses in English), based on Latin diurnum 'daily portion', from diurnus 'daily', from dies 'day'.

  16. What Happens on a Spiritual Journey? 5 Stages You Will Experience

    A spiritual journey is a deeply personal and individual experience. . There are five stages: Soul Searching, Awakening, Facing Your Fears, Rebirth, and Applying Your Wisdom. However, not everyone will experience all these stages. . When embarking on a spiritual journey, it's important to be cautious of 'greedy gurus' who may try to take ...

  17. What does journey mean?

    Definition of journey in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of journey. Information and translations of journey in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.

  18. What Does a Journey Mean?

    Journey should be an open definition in which you define the terms, the direction, and what fulfillment looks like to you. Said journey should be personal, intimately dedicated, and be limitless in a way that makes you not just love the life you have, but push the boundaries of your capability because you truly do not know what lies beyond your ...

  19. Why Life Really is a Journey and Not a Destination

    Winners fall in love with the process (the journey). "The opposite of fear is love — love of the challenge, love of the work, the pure joyous passion to take a shot at our dream and see if we can pull it off.". ~ Steven Pressfield, Do the Work. Winners fall in love with the process because that's all they can control.

  20. Life's a journey

    Enjoying the journey, as you get older you realise that you need to enjoy the journey - life's short. Time speeds up and making the best of every time you have in life is so critical. This means spending time with people that inspire, challenge and encourage you. Caring about their opinions but not listening to others.

  21. Why Happiness Is A Journey And Not A Destination

    If you go chasing after it, you may find it slips through your fingers. The expression "Happiness is a journey" is all about thinking about happiness the right way - and finding ways to enjoy all the steps. There are a couple of different ways to interpret this expression, and each of them will teach you something important about happiness.

  22. Why Do We Say, 'Life Is a Journey Not a Destination'?

    Therefore, we say "life is a journey, not a destination" because it reminds us that life is an ongoing journey of learning and growing. A common saying spoken is "life is a journey, not a destination.". This is a very popular phrase that is used across the world. If a person hears this saying often or it becomes overused, it can lose ...

  23. Journeyman Definition & Meaning

    journeyman: [noun] a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day.

  24. What Does It Mean When You Dream About Traveling? 7 Reasons

    7 reasons you're dreaming about traveling: 1. You're craving freedom. According to dream expert Leslie Ellis, Ph.D., dreaming about travel can indicate that you're on a quest for freedom. "In this pandemic era where travel has been so restricted, travel dreams could be some form of vicarious way of gaining freedom of movement," she says, adding ...

  25. What Does It Mean to Dream About Birds Flying

    Here's what it could mean and how it connects to your life and emotions. Sarah Scoop. ... Their migration patterns might symbolize a significant transition or journey. Crows, often associated with ...

  26. What does angel number 000 mean? And how it affects you.

    What does 222 mean?Angel number meaning and symbolism in your life, love and career. ... Take the time to find your incentive to push you along the journey that the angel number 000 is signaling ...

  27. Notarizing Documents for Seniors With a Dementia Diagnosis

    An Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis can be a challenging journey for the person and family alike. When the diagnosis occurs, a ticking clock begins on the timeline for getting proper and sound notarizations done for crucial legal documents. What Does It Mean to Get a Document Notarized?

  28. What a Supreme Court ruling on homeless camping means for Kentucky

    What does the Supreme Court's decision say? The majority opinion, authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, holds that the Grant Pass regulations criminalizing camping by homeless people do not violate ...

  29. 'Dark Matter' Ending Explained: How Changing the Book Sets Up ...

    Here's how Dark Matter wrapped up Season 1, what the ending means, how it changes the book, and what it all could mean for a hypothetical Season 2. Spoilers ahead. Dark Matter ending explained

  30. What Does MLS Mean to Me? A Reflection from Mark Brown, President & CEO

    It means embracing innovation and continuous improvement as a way of life. It means fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and compassion. And above all, it means never losing sight of the fact that behind every loan, there is a person, a family, and a dream.