If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking,
eventually you’ll make progress. – Obama
Well, there’s a quote that I identify with! I have an absolute faith in our ability to know, deep down, the right path for us. And an equal faith in our ability to lose the plot, act like muppets and bury that wisdom under piles of Daily Stuff.
For me the answer to this endearing human feature lies not in Getting Brilliant at Dealing with Lots of Stuff. The answer lies in taking a walk, slowing ourselves enough so we can hear our own voice.
I love every aspect of mountains, walking and navigating, and it’s not just the literal act of walking: I find the parallels between how we walk in nature and how we find our way in life to be a very natural source of inspiration and insight. How about you?
Here’s some of the thoughts this particular quote inspired for me:
1) If you’re walking down the right path: Taking time to identify, find or create the right path is the IMPORTANT bit, make time for it! Otherwise you’ll make steady progress towards something you don’t particularly want, which is a bit of a bugger.
How you define, “right path” is also important. How much of its “rightness” is because it’s what others need from you? How much is it “right” because it’s what you feel you were born to do? How much is because it’s where you have the most fun?
2) And you’re willing to… Being willing is a good sign that you’re on the right path I reckon: you see yourself choosing to do whatever you need to do to follow the path. So if you’re not willing, what’s that about? It’s likely to be important and worth attending to.
3) … keep walking Even if you feel you’re not getting very far, every little nudge forwards is taking you along the route you’ve chosen. Be proud of the days when you whoosh. And proud of the days where you see only a teeny bit of progress: Frankly, facing forwards on those days is an achievement in itself.
4) Eventually…: Get to know the speed that you are able to move at. If it’s slower than you expected, might it be your expectation that is off, not your speed? You wouldn’t be being a teeny bit judgemental of yourself, would you??
5) … you’ll make progress: If you take even one step, you have made progress. If you keep taking the next step you will eventually reach the next place on your path that you want to reach. And it is YOU that makes progress. Others can help you, support you, bring out your strengths but the progress ultimately comes from the steps you take and your choice to keep walking your right path.
6) You’re walking, not running! Epic days are exciting and you cover a lot of ground. Attempting to make every day an Epic Day may be unwise, donut!
7) Breathers: Ok, it’s not explicitly in the quote, but remember to pause every now and again too – look around, realise how far you’ve come, refresh yourself, feed yourself, rest – nurture body, mind and soul. That’s an essential part of your progress too, or else you’ll go phut (*).
8 ) Company: Er, this isn’t mentioned either. Never mind. It’s your path, only you can travel it. But you can choose company that adds to your enjoyment of the path and do nice things like chat, laugh, inspire and share cake.
9) Keep Walking: Your path will always continue. It never ends. Keep walking!
So what do you identify with? What will you remind yourself to do more of?
Choose the right path for you, and keep walking!
Sarah xx
(*) Phut (technical term): To run out of steam physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Or all four, which is really not nice at all. Brought about by moving too fast, seeking too many Epic Days or ignoring your need for breathers, company and/or any other form of support.
Mountain Retreat holidays with cake, coaching, walks, massage
and plenty of space to find the right path for you.
Thank you so much Sarah. Sometimes it seems to be so incredibly hard and difficult to walk MY path. You just reminded me to NEVER give up, no matter what. Thank you!