is it time to challenge yourself?

Did we go too far? This is where we sat to catch our breath after hiking up a steep trail this morning. Where the two arrows meet is where the flat rock ends and the trail drops.

It's also the spot where I started to wonder if we'd gotten ourselves into a bad position. Well, that's not entirely true. I had wondered earlier if we might want to call it quits and turn back. We both did. Even asked one another, "Should we stop?"

No, let's keep going.

Despite the fact that each step meant we had to hoist ourselves up over rocks and bare roots, it was exhilarating to be out in the woods. When we reached the bare rock we wondered again about turning back.

We carried on.

With each step, albeit steep, we had solid footing.

And for both of us, there was something about the challenge that made it too compelling to turn around, to quit.

But here we were facing the downhill climb.

I'm no thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail, but have done enough hiking to know, it's always easier going up.

I was worried about going down.

But once again, we watched our footing, took our time, and looked ahead to find the right path on the trail.

Maybe that's the secret. Measured steps even when we're skittish. To keep pushing, even if it's hard.

Because even though it was worth it to push through our fear to reach the top and take in the big view, we also got to hear the high wind rustle just the tallest branches on the trees, the footfall of what we think was deer in the ravine, and the reward of knowing we did it.

Is there a time you pushed yourself to continue even though you were frightened or uncertain? Would you do it again?

Write about it ... and share it. With me or a friend, or both. I bet it's good.