I think this is when most people give up on their stories. They come out of college wanting to change the world, wanting to get married, wanting to have kids and change the way people buy office supplies. But they get into the middle and discover it was harder than they thought. They can't see the distant shore anymore, and they wonder if their paddling is moving them forward. None of the trees behind them are getting smaller and none of the trees ahead are getting bigger. They take it out on their spouses, and they go looking for an easier story.
by Donald Miller
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In "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years," Donald Miller reflects on the disillusionment many face after college. Initially full of hope and ambition, young adults set out to change the world and build fulfilling lives. However, as they enter the complexities of adulthood, they often find the journey more challenging than anticipated. The initial excitement fades, and they struggle to see their goals clearly, feeling stuck in a monotonous middle with no apparent progress.

This sense of stagnation can lead to frustration, impacting personal relationships as individuals project their dissatisfaction onto their partners. In their search for easier, more gratifying narratives, many may abandon their original dreams. Miller's insight highlights the critical point where perseverance can wane, suggesting that the key to navigating life's challenges lies in maintaining focus on one's ultimate aspirations despite the difficulties encountered along the way.

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