I just made it through mid-terms and I had a surprisingly awesome experience studying for them. While studying for my Acu-points mid-term, I sat down, and as a review, started writing out everything I know. After a few minutes I looked down at a page, full points and categories on 7 channels and I realized that a year ago, I knew none of this. It was one of those important moments where I became aware of my progress.

Whenever I work on a long-term project, I often get caught up in the future, but am getting better at being content in the present. Another important part of any journey is to take intermittent brakes to look back and acknowledge the progress you’ve made. It’s encouraging and empowering to see what you’ve accomplished and how your hard work has come to fruition.

I spent the summer after graduating from college working on a farm, and at the end of every week we would take some time to walk the fields with the specific intention of bringing our awareness to the changes that had happened over the past week. I was always blown away by how much taller the tomato plants were, and how many new baby plants had been planted. More importantly the feelings of fulfillment, satisfaction, and gratitude that filled me, helped me take a day off (which I always needed to replenish myself) and fueled me in the following week.

Whether we’re growing food, teaching children, running a business, or learning acupuncture points, it’s vital to step back occasionally and bring awareness to what we’ve achieved thus far. We may have a ways to go before we reach our ultimate destination, but that may be all the more reason to be proud of how far we’ve come.