The Jouney

    On Saturday, July 9 I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed. In part due to my own problems and also because I have seen few of my closest friends in great pain during the last two months. That morning I decided to go for a hike all by myself. I have never been hiking alone, perhaps I am aware of my lacking sense of direction, and getting lost is my biggest fear. I am also aware that one of the biggest obstacles for success is fear. This feeling paralyzes people, and I didn't want to be included in that group.
    Exercise outdoors always relaxes and grounds me...so away I went.  I prepared by backpack with some extra weight to make my walk a little harder, and I dressed with courage.


   
     This is a view of the hill that was waiting for me. I immediately regret those extra pounds I was carrying inside my back, but it was too late to go back. 

 




Being alone made me the captain so I decided to explore unfamiliar territory. What was the challenge if I decided to go with the routine? As usual I did my own thing.




With every step I took I felt a weigh lifted off my shoulders. Just like the commercial I saw all my worries flying away.  I had planned to leave them in the woods, and make them part of the scenery. Worries are parasites, they will die without the adequate host.




Every sight was more beautiful than the previous one.



I had to stop and allow this image to sink in.

When I saw this plant with a broken piece, I couldn't help thinking about human resilience.  Why it is so much easier for plants to heal themselves than for humans to heal from their pain?  



I saw new growth despite the adversity, and that means hope.  





Around this area I realized that I was lost.  I knew I was going to get lost, it was just a matter of time. I wasn't born with an internal GPS. I went around some trails twice, and I was frustrated. I was hungry and I realized that I didn't bring a snack despite my history of frequent low blood sugars. I got scared and cried, but I didn't know if I was crying because I was lost or because being lost gave the chance to process what brought me there...emotional pain.





This is my favorite picture of all, and the sight I hate missing every time I hike in this park. Its a great combination of beautiful and not so beautiful, just like life. Both elements are perfectly combined to create this breath taking view.



My complaint about this map, is that the legend is missing the "you are here" part. For me it wasn't helpful.

Do you see that sandy patch at the end? That is the street and what a beautiful sight that was. Close to reaching this area, I realize that my blood sugar was going down because my perception of things was a little off. I made it, just on time. I think God was probably watching over me, so despite thinking that I was alone...I never felt completely alone. This hike took me two hrs, and I realized that there are no limits when you set your goals, and that taking detours in life isn't always a negative thing. It may take longer to get to the destination, but at the end life is all about the journey.  

This is the end of my journey. It was nice to see the trail behind me. I went loaded and came out feeling light and relieved. I accomplished my task in several ways and one of them is that I didn't allow fear to intimidate me. I will do again...very soon.