Yesterday was group hike day. This hike was a backwards hike. A backwards hike is when you start with the beautiful view at the height of the mountain. It also means you are challenged at the end of the hike as opposed to mid-hike. The group was smaller this time and I was able to spend one on one time with everyone. It was perfect because I had the opportunity to play with perspective just as I had planned.
Beauty
I started the hike by explaining the trail from the top. I also told everyone to take in the view because I wanted them to make a before and after comparison. I said, "the view will be the same but your perspective about what is around and below will change. Trust me and just take it all in you will appreciate it a whole other way after our hike." Then we started trailing ahead.We each appreciated the beauty of the trail. The beautiful yellow flowers. The ocean and mountain tops. We laughed and had great conversation. We met the challenge and before we knew it we were at the top. I told them all to gaze out again and what I got was, "OMG you're right it does change. WOW! It is so much more beautiful".
The way I relate to this specific hike is ... You can get life's goodies handed to you. You may have beauty all around you but sometimes you do not appreciate it unless you work for it. There is something about how it may make you feel. Then and only then can you really appreciate the beauty with the depth your soul desires. Put it simply, sometimes hard work and meeting the challenge provides you with a new perspective that overfills you with joy. It is the feeling of accomplishment.
Sometimes you just need to get in the trenches and work on your challenge to really appreciate the journey. So just as it gets tough...keep going! Do not stop because the view on the other side ... can really surprise you. --- I must remind myself of this whenever I lose fuel. I say there is a reason for the curve ball. I must persist and remain grateful for there is an abundance of beauty around me.
Here's to keeping it going.
