Each year I take a 24-hour break from my family to go on a hiking adventure with a great friend of mine, who also happens to be named Jessica. In years past we have hiked a 14,000-foot mountain and braved 60 mile per hour winds on rocky terrain (definitely thought I was going to get blown off the mountain that time). Each year has pushed me past my comfort level and has left me feeling exhilarated and strong. This year I was kind of nervous about the hike. I wondered whether I was in good enough shape. I wondered if my body, which has been feeling a bit creaky, was up to the challenge, but I set off with Jessica knowing that I had a great friend by my side who would support me no matter what.
As we set out, the sun was rising, the moon was setting, the light was soft, the air was brisk, and it felt like the perfect day for a hike. I felt strong and confident… and then I looked up along the trail and saw the peak we were aiming for.
See that pointy peak in the distance? Yup, that is where we were headed.
I had a moment of panic and thought, “there is no way I am going to be able to do this!!” As we walked I silently started to prepare myself, and my ego, to know when it was time to say I couldn’t go any further
(I have been known to push myself too far—Jess still teases me about how I fought through altitude sickness to make it to the top of the 14-er, insisting that I would make it even though she wasn’t sure it was the best idea)….