Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
When I finally arrived to my destination, I looked up towards the top of the stairs and asked myself, “Why am I doing this again?”
I’ve established a weekly cadence of running up and down a set of 375 steps as part of an hour long workout each Sunday. Every week, it feels like doing the impossible. During the 45 minute drive, I prepare myself mentally for what I know will be a challenging workout. The arduous climb comes on the backend of a 10-15 minute trek through uneven terrain and ultimately finishes in the exact same way. Despite the agony I experience each time I do it, I have never regretted completing the workout. The fact of the matter is, the experiences life throws our way are usually much tougher.
With the way my life has begun to take shape, I have come to terms with the fact that what hurts you is also oftentimes what helps you. You might not be able to say this for every situation, however, what you often find is even the most painful experiences are meant to strengthen you. Growth doesn’t always feel good.
My heart has gone into the work that I do and my passion for people is top of mind whenever I am considering my next steps. No matter what aspect of my life I am evaluating, I used to think it was just about how much I care. I care a lot, but I’ve realized that it’s much bigger than that. In order to properly protect, love and serve the people I am supposed to, the commitment to the work — expressions of love, care, meditation, exercise, writing, therapy, etc. — must be consistent.
Sometimes, it can feel like we are climbing such a huge mountain that reaching the peak feels like it will never happen. By taking it one step at a time, we give ourselves the opportunity to achieve what might initially appear to be impossible. Delay is not denial. Through discipline, consistent action and effort, we set ourselves up to slowly but surely reach the mountaintop. I am a huge advocate for doing whatever is necessary to practice proper self-care, because it not only allows you to be better for you, but consequently, it allows you to show up for others as well. I might not get it right every time, but ain’t no mountain high… ain’t no valley low… ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from doing what I need to do for those I love and myself.
So, why am I doing this again?
It’s much bigger than me.
As always, remember . . . It’s gonna hurt, but it won’t kill you.
-TK
