Life is Like a Mountain

In my never ending quest to stay (get) in shape, I got up early this morning to hike one of my favorite (and toughest) trails in the valley. We have a mountain that is located in the center of metropolitan Phoenix - it's just over one mile straight up. I've been hiking this mountain since I was a kid. As I was hiking this morning, listening to my music and reflecting - I was thinking that there is much about hiking the mountain that mirrors life. As people were passing me on the trail, I thought about how when I was younger, it would bother me if I didn't stay ahead of the pack. I was competitive and driven and it was all about finishing first. Today, it's not about being first to the finish line, it's just about finishing. There are points in the hike where my legs are so tired I'm not sure I can keep going. Yet, I remind myself to take it one step at a time. Much like those days I'm tired, frustrated and sad and I don't think I can do this anymore. I've learned to take it one day at a time. There are places along the trail where the path is flat and relenting much like those times when Jack is doing well and life is calm and uneventful. The flat paths and the uneventful days are times to rest, reflect and re-energize so that you can keep on keeping on. Attaining the ultimate goal - the top of the mountain - brings about such a sense of accomplishment and peace. As for the ultimate goal in life - I believe that is yet to come. However, moments of accomplishment and peace are abundant and it's important to recognize and savor those moments atop the mountain we call Life.

Enjoying the moments ..............

Peaceful moments ~ Sunrise


The Phoenix Valley

Surrounded by mountains

Super Bowl moments ~
(don't they look excited to be watching the game?!)

Silly moments ~