For the second half of the year, I’ve focused quite a bit on achieving some of the goals I had set for the year. While the journey has not been without hiccups, I am happy to report that I’ve struck another item off the list!

For years I’ve heard my friends and acquaintances talk about the marvellous experience of climbing the Blue Mountains. If you thought, source of the best coffee in the world, you are absolutely correct! When the opportunity arose, while the factors weren’t ideal, I decided to go forward.

Trekking through the hills at midnight is quite something! First off, I must say, all my friends lied to me. They stressed the beauty of the end result but no one bothered to tell me of the challenge of the journey. I must be honest. In the moment, I considered the hike, one of the worst experience of my life. The drive to get to the starting point was very bumpy. The climb up Jacob’s Ladder caused every muscle in my legs and lower back to shriek in protest. Also, it began to rain halfway into the journey and the temperature dropped to the point where I felt I was freezing! By the time I made it home, I was exhausted to the bone.

I know! I sound a bit whiney! That’s because my focus was on all the negatives.

I’ve always found it amazing how in the midst of less than ideal circumstances, we tend forget to see the small silver linings in our dark experiences and switch to autopilot whining. In the moment, I forgot the wonder I felt in seeing the stars clearly for the first in a long time. The awe I felt from standing in the mountains and looking down at the city lights.

Of course, nothing can beat the opportunity I got to see one of the most life-changing sunrises of my life from the first speck of sunlight in the dark morning sky to the orb of light flinging its rays across the entire sky. I felt at peace and in awe of God as the heavens declared His handiworks.

I also got the opportunity to ring in one of my dearest friends 25th birthday with her on a journey that meant a lot to us both.

On further reflection, I realized that my Saturday night into Sunday morning journey is very much like the journey of life.

1. Everyone’s perspective of the journey will be different even when the experience is similar. The truth is people remember the parts that had the biggest impact on them. Also, few persons are willing to voice experiences about aspects of the journey that could be perceived as them being weak.
2. There is always someone willing to lend a helping hand in the darkest moment. The tour guide was so awesome that he offered to carry some of our stuff.
3. Struggling is not permission to quit. Even if you don’t complete the journey today, be willing to try again. We managed more than a half of the journey before deciding to turn back. What was inspiring was hearing persons voicing their intent to go and be better prepared before making the journey again.
4. The journey tends to be challenging but the end result is generally worth it.
5. The beginning and ending are generally the hardest part of the journey, especially when you are stepping outside your comfort zone.
6. Continuously jogging on a flat path does not prepare you for a journey that consists of steep climbs and rocky surfaces. The preparations for both experiences have to be different.
7. You are strong and can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

I accepted #7 as I stood a top the mountain, watching the sun rise and peering down into the valley. I came. I saw. I conquered half and intend to complete the journey one day.

Have you?

XOXO,
Chañel

life-experience accomplishment achievements climbing mountains overcome