calm

Getting ready for a long journey involves the physicality of packing bags and closing down shop. Of getting the tires ready and making sure there is fuel to last the first leg… the mountains we choose to explore call on us to make sacrifices in order to heal and grow -- as long as we choose to see the scenery and pace our bodies, instead of sprinting to the top. Looking down at a dark green field of trees or a flawless white sheet of snow has empty significance if you have not paused occasionally on the way upward to touch the bark of that silent pine or let some fresh snowflakes grace your cheek.

So getting ready to climb back down and finish the journey, I hope I packed my bags right, so that I had the means to stop and really find those moments which defined the larger picture I stare at now. The ride down is different than the struggle up, but not without its challenges. The curves on the road are deadly if underestimated, the power of gravity tempting for me to give into. I don't want to forget the way this mountain is put together. Absolutely beautiful. Be careful. Tread well. I will never forget you (smile)