I’m on vacation and I’m hiking.
The hike down to the ocean is fairly quick and easy;
the hike back up: daunting.
On the other side of the hike
is the rest of my day,
regrettably, my water bottle,
lunch and,
because I am on vacation,
likely a mid-day cocktail or two.
All things I want badly and immediately.
Did I mention the hike back is
steep, rocky and hard?
I want to Stop. Quit.
Sit down. Rest awhile.
Yet, the rest of my day is calling.
I’ve run a few marathons
(Not a metaphor, I really run marathons)
and each time I long to quit.
I’ve watched enviously as fellow runners
call an Uber and tap out along the route.
(yes – this is actually a thing people do)
This will never be me.
As long as I keep moving
one step forward.
Assess. Another step.
I will get comfortable
in my discomfort.
I step forward
again. And again.
Until I see the road,
my car and, blessedly,
a shaved ice guy
like a mirage at the top of the hike.
I will always choose
being in motion –
whatever the context –
over sitting on the side
waiting to tap out.
