Sunday, I went for a hike. Perhaps five yards in, a creek with running water and stones crossed the path.
There were only three ways to get to the other side.
Simply walk across. I'd get my feet wet (probably up to the ankles) but, I'd get to the other side.
Hop across on the uneven stepping stones.
Walk across on a log forming a narrow natural bridge.
I weighed my options.
Being afraid of water moccasins and parasites and dirty feet, there was no way I was going to take my shoes off and walk barefoot in that creek. I also didn't want to get my tennis shoes wet and subsequently muddy as my hike continued, so, wading across, not an option.
Since I fall down a lot the uneven and probably slippery stepping stones didn't seem a prudent plan.
Which left the natural bridge. Wii fit has taught me, I have no balance. It also showed me when I try to walk on a tightrope from one rooftop to another - the sharp toothed, strong jawed, robot always causes me to fall. Hmmmm....maybe that doesn't mean anything. No robots in sight. I'll try the log. After all, if the log were on dry ground, walking it's length on top of it would not intimidate me. I think to myself, I'll hold onto that thought and cross with confidence.
Which worked, until everyone crossing before me did so with looks of terror. Which began to psyche me out, until I remembered, none of them actually fell. So, I visualized success.
One step, then two step and more. Before I know it, I'm in the middle of the creek and it's half way over. My hands are out, like my tightrope walker avatar on Wii. I'm doing it...
I finish.
There are only two words to describe it.
Woo hoo!
It's a rush. With adrenaline and endorphins and all those good things. But it's more, it's victory over something physical that I did by myself. I won and I like it!
Coming back, that log didn't scare me one bit. It did terrorize a long line of people waiting to cross at the beginning of THEIR hikes. Since everyone coming toward me was scared and therefore procrastinating, they encouraged me to go first. So, I marched right up to that log. Held my hands out like a circus performer and I put one foot in front of the other all the way to the other side. They were impressed and I felt the thrill of having superior athletic skills and confidence and I liked it.
Now that I've tasted victory -- I think I want some more. This week, Eaton Canyon Creek, next week...
...THE WORLD!
