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The Journey, Not Just the Destination: A Weekend Lesson from 'A Wild Robot'

Writer: JP de la RamaJP de la Rama

The silence and the awe were all it took for a little girl to be amazed at the movie.
“Appreciate the journey, savor the experience, and take pride in the moments that define who you are and who you are becoming.”


After a week packed with setting up animation projects and managing client commissions, I decided to take some much-needed time off. My daughter and I went to see a movie over the weekend, a film called A Wild Robot. To be honest, I went in with some skepticism. I hadn't seen any trailers, and barely heard any buzz about it, and with so many animations using AI these days, I wondered if this might be another AI-driven production.



But, as soon as the movie started, I was proven wrong—big time. The visuals were stunning, and the story was perfectly tailored for a family-friendly movie night. The pacing was spot-on. My daughter sat there, wide-eyed and mesmerized, her jaw hanging open in awe. Every time the action kicked in, she couldn't hold back her excitement—shouting and laughing with pure joy. And as I sat beside her, I realized something: I was enjoying the movie just as much as she was.



The Wild Robot. copyright: Dreamworks
The Wild Robot. copyright: Dreamworks


It wasn’t just because the protagonist reminded me of some of my favorite strong female characters—like the iconic Ripley from Aliens—but because the movie was a heartfelt reminder of the little things that truly matter. The character's journey to protect and nurture, much like a mother figure, resonated deeply with me. And while the narrative wasn't exactly the same as Aliens, it brought to mind the archetype of strength, care, and determination that I admire so much.



As the credits rolled and we walked out of the theater, I found myself reflecting on a powerful lesson: it’s so easy to get caught up in our daily grind, in the hustle of chasing goals and ambitions, that we sometimes forget to pause and appreciate the process itself. Watching A Wild Robot made me realize that life isn’t just about reaching the finish line. It’s about the experiences we collect along the way—the small, meaningful moments that make the journey worthwhile.



We often think that joy and fulfillment will come once we achieve our goals, but that mindset can rob us of the happiness we could be experiencing in the now. Success isn’t just the final destination; it’s the collection of all the moments we build up day by day, step by step. It’s in taking time to enjoy a movie with your child, in pausing to savor a good meal, or in laughing at an unexpected moment. These experiences are the ones that truly enrich our lives.


Tips from My Experience:


  1. Enjoy the Process, Not Just the Goal – It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you're working towards something big, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Celebrate the small wins and find joy in the day-to-day process. The journey is where real growth and learning happen.

  2. Make Time for Breaks – No matter how busy things get, it’s crucial to step back and recharge. Whether it’s a movie, a walk, or a mini-vacation, taking breaks helps you return to your work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

  3. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones – Life can get overwhelming, but making time for the people who matter most is essential. Those moments with family and friends are priceless and can give you the balance you need to stay grounded.

  4. Reflect on Your Progress – After every milestone, take a moment to reflect. What did you learn along the way? What made the journey enjoyable? Appreciating these moments can provide a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond just reaching your goal.

  5. Set New Goals and Keep Going – Once you achieve a goal, set another. Life is a continuous journey of growth, and there’s always something new to strive for. But remember to enjoy the path as much as the destination.


As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, "It's not the destination, it's the journey." And now, more than ever, that message rings true. It’s time to embrace the process, enjoy the ride, and take pride in the moments that shape who we are and what we become. Here’s to many more goals, and even more joyful journeys!






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