Difficult Paths Ahead But You've Got This!

Yesterday I went on a trek with a hiking group. It was billed as being a 2/10 on the difficulty scale and that seemed doable to me. Later I asked the organizer - whose 2 was it?! He had heard that comment before it seems and he was unfazed because I was asking that question AFTER having clambered up and down a slippery narrow path, negotiated a little stream and then the steep steps down to the falls that we had come to see. In other words it was hard but I did it. Had I known ahead of time what it would be like I might have skipped it, but I did it in the end. We all did - some with ease and some (me) with some difficulty but we all made it down.

As we wrap up the first month of 2023 and complete 1/12 of the year, it is a good time to ask ourselves what have we been avoiding because of what we fear and what do we need to do today to manage those fears?

Some quick takeaways from yesterday:

What is the fear that is holding you back? Fear is a broad concept but narrow it down. Is it the physical endurance? The mental capacity? The idea of failing? The concern about what others might think? Be specific because you need to know exactly what you are afraid of before dealing with that fear.

Identiy where that fear came from? I was actually fine with going on the hike and then someone asked in our group chat whether the steps were still as dangerous as they were before! Every antenna in me went up and I immediately thought "Nope - can't do it - slippery and steps don't belong together" but then I did the next thing:

Seek information. One person asked that question and it sparked a whole response in me. Then my sister suggested I ask a friend who had done the hike previously, and she explained that while it was challenging THERE WAS A ROPE. That information made all the difference! In other words - there is information out there that may counter what you currently fear. That information is power.

Take the help! Those ropes were a lifesaver in negotiating the steep and slippery steps. Walking sticks and poles are a great help as well. At the entrance to the water there was a young man who told us how to get in and out and actually lifted those of us who needed it. I am known for saying automatically "I'm fine" but I am learning the value of saying "Yes thank you" when people offer to help me. After all I help people too!

Focus on You! When I go on these hikes there are different levels - there are those who go up and down the trickiest slopes with ease and grace, and those who struggle. It's tempting to feel overwhelmed by group one but I have learned the trick - step to the side and let them through then go at your own pace. God made everybody differently and trying to be like others serves little purpose

Stop when you are tired! I saw something recently that said - When you are tired, learn to rest - not give up. That is simple but profound. Catching your breath and/or your bearings can give you the energy to go forward. Fear flourishes when we are tired and overwhelmed.

Frame it differently. Once I was doing a 5K in an orchard. It was fun but challenging. At one point I heard a man behind me say with a deep sigh as we approached yet another incline "It's only a hill" and I thought that it was a great perspective. It was only a hill and we had done a number of hills before so here was just one more. So cut your fear down to size. Yesterday I reminded myself of a much more challenging hike that I had done last year and I said to myself that if I could do that one then certainly this was not beyond me. And it wasn't!

In 2023 we can expect many ups and downs and many challenges. It is important to remember that the biggest challenges are in our mind. Don't allow fear to stop you in your tracks. Remind yourself of the hills that you've climbed before, that help is out there, that you can slow down and rest if you have to, and that taking one step at a time gets you there! Here's to crushing your 2023 goals!