If Ithaka is the destination, what is the journey?

“Have Ithaka always in your mind. Your arrival there is what you are destined for.” C. P Cavafy

Justine McGrath

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Can you remember the last time you were lost? Trying to find your way to a destination, and either taking a wrong turn or not having a clue where you were. How did you feel?

Ever feel a bit like that in life? Not sure what the next turn in the road will bring? Not sure which path to take? Feel stuck and can’t see a way forward?

Ithaka is a poem by C.P. Cavafy. It’s about the journey of our lives and how we reach our destination. It asks the question — are we wiser after all our worldly travels? What have we learnt along the way?

Here is the poem:

Ithaka

BY C. P. CAVAFY

TRANSLATED BY EDMUND KEELEY

As you set out for Ithaka

hope your road is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

angry Poseidon — don’t be afraid of them:

you’ll never find things like that on your way

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Justine McGrath
Justine McGrath

Written by Justine McGrath

ICF certified Executive Coach. Specialist in EI. Author ‘Conversations with my Father — Jack Kyle,’ and ‘The Elephant Crossing.’ http://proactivecoaching.ie

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