What *not* to do while hiking

 

My post ‘Responding to life’s challenges…,’ proved a bit too real during a recent hike. You know the saying, ‘pride goes before a fall?’ After an almost six-mile trek in the mountains up to Inspiration Viewpoint, I felt invincible. I never enjoyed athleticism as a younger person—exercise consisted of mandatory gym class, playing tag or riding bikes with neighbor kids, swim lessons on Saturdays and performing on my senior high pom-pom line. Yet over the past half dozen years I’ve become enamored with working out, practicing Bikram yoga, hiking. Since celebrating my half-century birthday this past December, I cannot get enough of: living. And I’m in the best shape of my life. So, as I jogged the final stretch of trail that morning, I got cocky. Bruised and battered the left side of my body, both knees. A challenge I met with humor and, hopefully, the grace I lacked when I tripped and fell—a lesson that didn’t break me.

When have you learned a painful lesson?

If you ignore the warning signs

Last month, I was over it—sick and tired because I had overcommitted and overextended myself. But I learned when you ignore your body’s warning signs, it will raise the flag of surrender when enough is enough. After 26 days of putting up a good fight (my doctor’s words), I needed help (also her words). On the bright side, while I spent two full days in bed, I read two books from cover to cover, logging in over 650 pages [read Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer if you get a chance]. On the less than bright side, let’s say it wouldn’t be unreasonable for me to hire a cleaner to overhaul my home. And, although I have a few obligations lined up for February, most of the month is open—because this time I’ve learned my lesson thanks to countless missed engagements, reduced time in the hot room and little headway on advancing my goals. Yet.

What does it take for you to learn a lesson?

[Image credit: photostock, FreeDigitalPhotos.net]

How low can you go?

[Graphic image: Stuart Miles]

Prior to my trip last month, I conjured up “high road” expectations to include more time with family and friends.  Unfortunately, this was a route I had little control over.  I could make myself available, but if others were tied up with their own thing, then a detour was necessary.  However, without my typical back-up plans in place, I found myself disappointed and on my own more often than I would have preferred, sometimes casting blame and finger-pointing with no just cause.  In the past, I’ve blogged about maintaining expectations more on the low road to avoid discontent, although still always hoping for more.  And while finding a happy medium between the two roads is not always easy, this time I’d like to think I learned my lesson.  When I have little control over the outcome, I’ll attempt to adjust my expectations accordingly.  At least that’s the plan.

How do you maneuver the two roads in order to find a happy medium?