Clues

Yesterday was when I experienced 10 years worth of life lessons. Let me tell you my story. 

In Kajiado County, we have the Ngong hills which are 7 scenic hills for the avid hiker who would like a moderate challenge. Enough history.

The day started with quite some cancellations from the group members. Of course at the time, it was weird and as life is, we never quite understand why things happen the way they do. For those that showed up, we headed out after half an hour of meeting time. In the van, I started dozing…quite a new experience on the morning of a hike. I thought to myself, it must be a lack of sleep. I’ll come back to this later…

At the hills, we headed to the starting point and of course some time was spent trying to get the magnificent shots of vistas all around. At this point, the feelings of happiness and mental recollection were very prominent. I do believe that nature is a healing balm.

 

Therein started the walk in the windy path! The wind was fit to blow a toddler off into the skies. It was that much! Zig zag was the walking style, however, we never strayed from the path. It was all giggles and stumbling. So far so good.

First hill? Done. No worries!

Second hill? Done. No worries!

Third hill? Done. Some worries creeping in! (remember me dozing in the van on the way? Now I began to understand what that signal meant).

Fourth hill? Done. With some struggle.

Fifth hill? But where is the end surely?????

Sixth hill? Done. Albeit very slowly. At this point, my body’s signals were gaining some volume. But I shut them down because at that point, I wanted to reach the last hill.

Seventh hill? It felt like the 21st. My body was giving me the ‘bombastic side eye’…the one that tells you, whatever you do, you will have to listen to me. 

Finally a break…I sat down and felt some relief…BUT those signals now gained tremendous volume. As a taunt, my body decided to add the final stage – the beginnings of a migraine. 

Up to this point, I had fought it. And either way, I had to go back because there was no other option. On the way back,

First hill, done. Very slowly.

Second hill, done. Even slower.

Fourth hill, a stranger held my hand. Bless you dear stranger!

Fifth hill, my body gave out. I could just hear it giggling with the ‘I told you so’ tone.

At this point, a motorbike rescue was called in. Bless you bike fellow!

Back at the van, the signals did not relent. Hang in there, I told myself. You’re almost there. And so I hung in there till I reached home. Let me stop the story there and tell you the life lessons briefly;

1. Listen to your body – I like to think that I have a close relationship with my guardian Angel. I ignored all the signals and paid for it later. Still am.
2. Who are your friends? Do they encourage you? Do they hold your hand when you are struggling? Do they identify when you need a helping hand?
3. Do you stick to your goals even when the strong winds of discouragement are blowing?
4. Do you accept help from strangers who seem to appear right when you need them? I know this is hard because not all people have good intentions.
5. Do you celebrate your accomplishments? Or do you listen to the voices of disappointment floating all around you?

Needless to say, I came back home in a somewhat foul mood, somewhat glowing in accomplishment, and somewhat puzzled as to what went down within my body. I guess there’s a first time for everything.

Have a great week of life lessons.