Overcoming Challenges

I have always been in love with the outdoors. Biking, hiking, winter sports, spring, summer, you name it, I’ve probably tried it. So, in order to get into shape for the spring sports season, I chose the most deceptively simple sport out there: running.

Lacing up my shoes, I took off down a lovely path near the local elementary school. Passing a few joggers who were enjoying the nice day just as I was, I smiled to myself. So far, so good. Not only was I somehow remaining persistent through the run, I had yet to fall flat on my face. Slightly clumsy, my awkwardness manages to make an appearance at the most ill-timed of moments.

I stopped short. The path, which continued into the woods, had been blocked off. Because life is nothing without new challenges, I decided to take a new, backcountry route. Darting off of the path, I began to run with fresh vigor. At least, for a few steps, which reminded me of the rain we had had recently. The ground squishy and wet, my poor tennis shoes were taking a beating. But, for some reason, I didn’t want to go back to the trail and take the easy way out.

Finally making it back to my starting point, I stretched and thought about my journey. What if I had stayed home instead of going to run? My shoes wouldn’t be soaking wet, but then I wouldn’t have able to enjoy (and conquer) this new challenge. I am a firm believer in accepting life’s challenges as they come, and presenting new tests for yourself, for the chance to overcome them. I see problems not as crises, but more as puzzles posed for me to find solutions.

It could just be that I am incredibly optimistic. However, I prefer to think of it as the best way to look at difficult setbacks. Perseverance is absolutely essential to experiencing nature. So when your path is blocked off, find a new way to get around it. It will teach you something new about yourself and the importance of challenges in your life.