My first experience with hiking was not glamorous. In fact, it was embarrassing.
I wore old Nike sneakers, so I could still look cute. Because Instagram comes first and safety comes last. I brought one Aquafina water bottle in my backpack. ONE! Rookie mistake.
It was late morning and the temps were already rising as I started my trek on Calico Tanks in Red Rock Canyon.
My shoes slipped on parts of the trail. At times, I was unsteady. I struggled.
I probably looked like a wobbly baby goat, trying to navigate each step. Others on the trail were more experienced, breezing by gracefully. They were definitely not huffing and puffing like I was. Also, I was parched because homegirl brought one water bottle.
Amateur. I felt like such an amateur.
But…
It was my pace.
I needed to stop comparing myself to others.
This was all new to me. A lesson learned. Work in progress.
Long story short, after all the sweat and ignoring the negative battle in my mind, I finished that darn hike. Slowly, but surely.
Since that day (nearly five years ago), I developed a LOVE and PASSION for hiking. Trail after trail, I was working at my pace and shaping into a better hiker.
Today, that same trail I struggled on back then is one of my favorites. It’s also much, much easier for me. Plus it helps when you have legit hiking shoes and a Camelbak.
*smirks*
That trail reminds me of where I came from, and how much I’ve grown.
I share this story because I hear from friends, “I can’t hike. I’m not in shape.”
“I would go with you, but I’m slow.”
“I’m not experienced, like you.”
Let me remind you.
Your pace is your place.
The path you’re on is YOUR path, no matter what that looks like. Even if you start out slow. There is no need for comparison. Along the way, you’ll discover lessons. You’ll encounter tough times and growing pains. Giving up will seem comfortable. You’ll fight toxic thoughts like, ‘I can’t do this anymore’ or ‘I have to turn around’, but keep going.
On the trail, you’re not meant to stay the same. You will evolve and grow.
Each step, each climb, each spring of life, and each glorious view at the end will be beautiful and worth it, but it can only start with you.