The week before…

“There really is a kind of insane beauty around us all the time. It’s just a question of learning to slow down, take a deep breath and meet the moment.” —Graham Nash

As departure date approaches the mind moves from concept to reality. For me, this includes a lot of doubt, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. What will I face and am I capable of doing this. It takes a conscious effort to refocus on the positive. As I’ve said, this is a dream, but it’s not like I’ve worked hard to make it come true. It’s more a case that the trail chose me this year than vice versa.

I should give Jason the credit – and blame. He decided to have a go at it this year. He interrupted his life to live this dream. I found out about Jason’s plans through his wife telling my wife. At least he has some experience with what this hike entails. I believe I’m physically capable, but I have almost no experience with what I signed up to do. Still, it’s the psychological side that makes this most difficult.

This brings me into all the trite thoughts that seem appropriate for this occasion. There’s reasons why old sayings stay alive. The thing I really want out of this dream is to learn to live in the moment. This journey is literally one step at a time. My quest is to take each step in and meditate on each breath. I’m confident there will be many moments that take my breath away.

Even though this is a great sacrifice for any who choose to do it as well as for those at home watching and waiting, isn’t this, feeling each moment, what life is about. Embrace those you love and embrace your dreams. 


Featured image by Janine.

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