Life is a lot like hiking.
Sometimes we have a map, a general idea of what is ahead and often where we are headed.
The map doesn’t show all the details, the map doesn’t inform us exactly how long it will take to get there. (we are talking about a map, not google, GPS etc.)
The map also doesn’t explain the delays coming up and the weather we may encounter.
We pack what we think we will need. Sometimes we realize that we could have prepared better.
Though silence is helpful during the hike, ultimately the most memorable, fulfilling, and at times very difficult part, is who we shared the hike with.
In our life, we are continually hiking somewhere. We don’t see everything from where we are, the map… what we know in our heart, serves as a general direction and guide, but we know in part.
Like hiking, sometimes we reach a destination along the way only to realize that it wasn’t as good or incredible as what we heard about. And sometimes we reach a location and words couldn’t describe how incredible the experience is.
Then there are other times, that we didn’t see an experience coming. And often we need help along the way.
The hike is about exploration, not control. You don’t know until you get there. Sometimes you think you know because you feel you have been there before, only to realize that things have changed.
Take from this article what you will.
Why are you hiking? Who are you sharing your story with? It’s ok if it is not what you expected that it would be. The point is to keep moving forward and learn from where you have been.