So, I didn't post anything in the month of November, not because there was nothing to post. I had to learn to be gentle with myself and really dish myself the same kindness and compassion that I always share with others. I had to learn not to berate myself just because I could not post a single blog for the whole month. And I had to learn to listen to my body as it screamed for a break!
We live in a world where we constantly compete with ourselves and others, whether consciously or subconsciously. We are taught to have 'measurable' goals, and when we don't meet them, we feel like failures. And many of us bow to this societal pressure to our detriment. I've heard young people saying 'at my big age...' and I guess 'at my very big age,' I should know better than to compromise both my physical and mental health trying to reach a goal and maybe some praise. May I declare now! I was not able to post anything in November and I am not a failure!
Nature offers us time to relax and reflect. Use it.
When I thought of this blog for beginner hikers, I planned to post one article a month. And then I read somewhere that you must be consistent so readers don't forget you, and that's how I opted for weekly posts; big mistake if you ask me! The more I did that, the more I realised that I was stretching myself too thin, given my other commitments. I then resorted to two posts a month; that went well until November happened. Somehow, I found myself snowed under, and despite writing an article at some point, I did not have the energy to give it a final check before posting it, and just like that, weeks went by until November came to an end without me posting anything.
I'm writing this after doing a 10 km walk this morning, literally from the coach. This after dealing with swollen feet for more than two weeks. I've been frustrated as even doctors could not explain the source of my water retention. This made me doubt whether I should continue with the walk as I was even experiencing some pain. Anyway, the 10 km is behind me; it was a bit rough, given my fitness or lack thereof, but it's done.
I'm sharing all these because as a hiker, there will be moments when you won't be able to go on hikes because of one thing or the other. And there will be moments when you'll go for a hike and return feeling like you've been hit by a truck. That is okay. I planned a multiday hiking trip for May this year and I could not join the group because of my health. And while that was not a nice pill to swallow, I had to accept that everything happens for a reason. I'm still not sure what the reason was, but other people were able to go on that hike and enjoyed it.
Whenever you find yourself on a hiking trail and you find that you cannot walk as fast as you're used to, that may be nature asking you to slow down. Give yourself the gift of slowing down and smelling the moment. Use that moment to be in touch with your environment and absorb nature as much as possible. If you need to take a break, please do. I hope if you're hiking with other people, they'll be considerate enough and also be gentle with you. We all can do with some gentleness in our lives, regardless of where we may be.
There's beauty all around.
I'm sure I'm not talking for myself only when I say 2024, with all its many blessings, has been a somewhat rough year. The roughness may have shown up as ill-health, losing people, bad choices, financial issues, work issues, and so on. What's important is that we're here, and we can still count the good that happened despite all the bad we may have experienced. And what's even more important is for us not to judge ourselves or our situations harshly. Let's be gentle with ourselves and others. As the young ones say, all of us 're a gowisha'.
I wish you gentleness and ease during this festive season, and if you're still hiking, enjoy it. I have never been able to hike in this heat and I respect those who are able to. Just make sure you're well-hydrated and please protect your skin from the harsh UV rays.
Td
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