“Just stay on the path.”
Just stay on the path. It was the phrase that repeated over and over in my head as I hiked up Mt. Willard this past weekend. Just stay on the path. It can feel monotonous, but then it becomes calming. The path is steady, even, and focused. Don’t try to go around a different way, don’t step off the path as you’ll post-hole up to your thighs and get stuck, Marissa. Just stay on the path. Keep walking. You can take breaks and breathe, but stay on the path.
This past weekend marks the first hike of 2024, and my first hike in the White Mountains since July 2023. Hiking for me is exercise, but more importantly a safe space to be adventurous, creative, and wildly natural. I have missed it immensely. This phrase was on repeat as I placed one foot in front of the other on the brisk snow packed trail. In a rhythm with my breathing I continued on: step, step, “just stay on the path”, step, step, breathe, “just stay on the path”.
I let my mind wander as I hike - sometimes I have a particular situation or conversation I’ll reflect upon as I walk. A problem I am trying to fix. A worry I’m trying to figure out. Other times, I’m simply happy to be outdoors, breathing the clean air, and letting my eyes sparkle with wonder; I don’t have a care in the world. That was the case this weekend: not a care in the world.
Do you ever have that experience? Awe and wonder? What sorts of things do you experience when you do an activity you love? Does it inspire you or change your view on other aspects of your life? It definitely does for me.
For you today, what comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “stay on the path?” What does that mean for you in your current life season?
Maybe that’s staying consistent with your bedtime routine, hydration, eating good food and fueling your body for your daily activities?
Maybe it’s staying on the path for your physical therapy rehab journey. Reminding yourself of the deeper reason why you began on the path in the first place.
Maybe it’s staying on the path for the inner healing work you’re participating in during therapy.
Staying on the path for repairing relationships, placing appropriate emotional boundaries for your time, mental energy, and physical space.
A gut check for “staying on the path” is this simple practice. My wise mentor challenged me recently to perform this daily. It’s called, “The Mirror Test”. Every day, am I willing to look myself in the mirror and ask the hard questions: “What path am I on? Did I stay on the path today? Why or why not?” More importantly, am I willing to be honest and hear my hard answers to those questions? Once I hear them, what am I to do with the answers? How do I let those conclusions change my future behaviors?
Or what about this. What if you’re not currently on a path. What if you feel stuck in a post-hole of knee deep snow? Do you have a buddy on the trail with you? Do you know the path that you want to be on but aren’t sure how to get there?
If you’re looking for a new path or a trail buddy on your injury journey - I’d like to provide you with answers and real solutions for your problem. It all starts with a free 15 minute phone consult. Let’s help you get on the right path, and stay on the path.
Why?
So you can be the competitive athlete you always have wanted to be. You can be the father you want to be and have the strength to play with your young kids instead of being in pain. You can be the mom and avid hiker you want to be, without worrying about endurance or knee pain or back pain or being able to reach the top.
Get clarity for your problems, so you can live the life you have always wanted to live.
From the snowy path, sending you well wishes today.
-Marissa
