Gretchen CarlsonHave you ever hiked a trail that turned into a trial?
Life can do that. I’ve been caught in downpours and snow while hiking the Colorado Rockies.
Or enthusiasm and energy can wane after the first few miles up a 14’er (a mountain over 14,000 feet). So how do you conquer the mountain or any challenge?
It’s simple.
You take another step.
And another.
Last summer, my husband and I trekked up Mt. Bierstadt, a 14’er with an elevation gain of 2,850 feet in less than 3.5 miles. This translates into rest stops along the steep incline.
Along the trail we’d pass hikers, or they’d pass us, because everyone stopped for oxygen and breath-taking views. We swapped pleasantries and encouragement—enjoy your hike, you can do this.
Don’t let a steep trail—a difficult trial—isolate you. Learn from others who have tackled mountains. Lean into those on the trail with you.
At the summit, other hikers were now comrades. We celebrated together. Let me take your picture! Is this your first fourteen-er? You’re from where? I used to live there…
How do you handle the challenges of writing?
Whether you are published or note, it’s simple.
You write the next sentence.
And you learn from and lean into other writers. Embrace their encouragement and learn from their advice.
Even the hardest trial can turn into a trail—which leads to the top of a mountain.
Wishing you blessings! – Gretchen http://gretchen-carlson.com
gretchencarlsonwriter@gmail.com
AND NOW: Drumroll please! The September winner for posting the most comments is: Jillian
Julia N. White
Sharon Rene
Jill K Willis
That’s a good analogy. It helps and goes with the one “a page messily written is easier to edit than nothing”. And thank you so much!
So true! Sounds like you are an author! I’d love to hear what you are writing, or which mountain you’re climbing!🙂
Congratulations Jillian. If you see this response please email me at denhamsharon@hotmail.com and let me know which one of the 3 books you want. If I don’t hear from you soon – I’ll send you an email.
Thanks, Sharon Rene
Thank you for this reminder, Gretchen. Great illustration at a very appropriate time for me!
I admire how you handle life. You are strong, but your loving Father in heaven who holds you is stronger. Go climb that mountain!
Seems as though every time a hardship enters our lives, we’re reminded that this world is not our home that it’s almost inevitable that we should expect suffering. To a certain degree, we are all broken people – living in a broken, sin-filled world. If we try to make our lives into a heaven-on-earth, we’ll surely be disappointed. Though this seems like a negative perspective I do think that there’s some truth in it. Perhaps if we couple the truth contained in Eph 6:12, that we ought to have build/strength our faith by studying, meditating on, and treasuring the promises of God’s word. A closed Bible will yield little hope or strength for our journey. Arm yourselves with the sword of the Spirit to fight the battle well, for our battle is spiritual, and requires weapons of the Spirit.
Well said. Challenges come in many forms, including suffering. Thankfully, we don’t have to face or endure hardships alone. God is with us.
My natural reaction to “conquering mountains” typically called suffering – is to feel sorry for myself and complain, which I am a pro. But when I can catch myself heading down that downward spiral, I combat it with making a simple list of things to be grateful for. Remembering God’s blessings can help me/us keep the right perspective, even in the midst of hardships. Sometimes though – I feel weak and don’t have the perseverance to even see the things that I should be grateful for.
I agree, gratitude is a great weapon to fight off self pity. Sadly, we all are blind to blessings all around us. Keeping a list is a great way to re-direct negative thoughts when the challenges are overwhelming. Thanks for your insights!
Gretchen, I thought I already commented on this but I must have fallen off the mountain. Let me get back up… okay, there, got my footing again.
YES! I love the analogy. Sometimes writing feels like climbing mountains. Or all I can see is the mountain and no way to climb it. As you said, one step, one word at a time, and the mountain falls.
Thanks Burt! Happy hiking….I mean writing!