H.I.K.E

In my previous article Clues, I shared the life lessons I learnt while on a hike to a scenic part of my country. Well, this week there’s no difference. 

Twas a cold cold morning on 30th March. I stretched and eagerly looked forward to the great outdoors. I could tell it was a day I will never forget. (we have a lot of those nowadays…don’t we?). Ok, end of composition, let me get cracking! 

This particular day had us heading to a diatomite mine in an area that is known for its coldness. So of course, as the wardrobe would dictate, warm gear was donned. Have you ever travelled with people who say “It’s not far, it’s just here”. Well, ‘just here’ turned out to be almost 1 hour and some minutes!. …I will revisit this phrase somewhere later in this article…. Anyway, the sights of daily life provided for an interesting road experience.

Let me cut the story short and just say, we reached and started hiking. And as we all know, hiking has various mental stages. Let me attempt to outline them, and to also infuse the life lessons I gained along the way.

Phase 1 – the scheduling.

Oh this is full of excitement. A ton of research about the destination, because really, we all want a great photo for memories, right? Right. This stage is also riddled with a lot of self-questioning such as – Will I really make it through? – Is it really worth all the tiredness I foresee? – Will I make a friend? – Will it be fun? …and of course, – what snacks will I carry? 

In life, we also have this phase of questioning, and it is in this phase where you see the first glimpse of yourself. Are you a go-getter? Do you encourage yourself? Do you have a plan for the people you will meet along the way? Do you walk in blindly to any situation and hope that it will all work out? 

Phase 2 – the commitment

This one is filled with some trepidation. When I commit, I’ll have to show up and follow through. After all, cancelling is quite costly.

In life, once you are done with the scheduling, you enter the commitment phase whereby you have to either do it with money or psychologically. Whatever the situation may be, once you commit, you feel the push to follow through. After all, who doesn’t like ticking the bucket list they have for their lives?

Phase 3 – the actual hike

This one has its own mini-phases!

You start the hike full of hope and trust in the gear you have invested in. Full of excitement because you are among like-minded individuals. Full of stories because you are getting to know each other.

As the hike continues, you enter the phase of taking photos, because, who knows when you’ll return here? Poses galore. Mini outdoor studios all over – on rocks, grass, next to trees and so on. At this phase, all you feel is happiness – especially when the camera captures your good side!

Here comes the silent phase. – Exactly how far is this place we’re going to? – There’s no shortcut? – Why are there so many rocks on the ground? – Why is it so hot?

This phase ends when you reach your destination and have as many photos as your tested body can allow.

Therein loads the toughest of all. You are too far to go back and too far from the finish line. You dig into your reserves of resilience. They threaten to run low. Humming a song in your head doesn’t help. You look around and you can only lean on the motivation from the fellow hikers. Some keep saying ‘It’s not far, it’s just here’…and that was 2 hours ago! You bow and resolve to finish what you have started.

The light at the end of the tunnel shines brighter. Climbing a vehicle has never felt so exciting. You have achieved your goal of the day. Your feet are screaming and you can hear your little toenail whispering – I’m sorry I tried to hang on, but I will grow again!.

The actual hike mirrors the journey of our lives. We rely on our preparations to see us through our various commitments. Sometimes we don’t always succeed, but we know our goal and we therefore push on. When you feel like taking short-cuts, when you wonder why you are so alone, do you reach out to your friends who are just there waiting for you to ask for help? Do you appreciate those who hold your hand and guide you- reminding you of the bigger goal? Do you hold onto Him? He is the best cushion of all.

Phase 4 – reflection.

I can’t believe I did it! What’s the next goal? 

Life is like that isn’t it? When you have achieved your goal, the memories of the suffering subside and your mind is full of celebration. You already start planning for your next conquest, after all, who pays heed to their suffering when their goal has been achieved?

As you read the 4 phases, were you able to identify where you were? Lean on your like-minded friends. ‘It’s not far, it’s just here’.

I finish this article with an acronym. H.I.K.E

Happiness

Is

Kindred

Energy

…Onto the next conquest!