Gary and I recently attended Rocky Mountain High—a youth event out in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. For my premium rec activity, I attempted to hike Hallett Peak. The summit is 12,720 feet. I had climbed it a couple of times before, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it this time. I was nervous because I knew I wasn’t in tip-top shape, but I really wanted to experience that mountaintop view once again.
The first couple of miles went okay, but I began to struggle. It felt like I was going in slow motion and I started to feel sick. The last people in our group caught up to me and I expressed my desire to make it to the top. “No problem,” they said. “If you keep up this pace, you’ll make it!” I fell in behind them and kept up for several steps, but then I watched them quickly widen the gap between us. I kept plugging away, but when I got to the snow I decided to turn around. I didn’t have the time or energy to make it.
So, I sat on a rock and ate my lunch, gazing longingly at the summit. I could see lots of people from our group moving around up there. It was so tempting to try to push on and make it, but I just had someone take my picture before I headed back down the trail.
My long walk gave me lots of time to think about how I was going to handle this “failure.” Was I going to cry all the way down? Was I going to beat myself up for even attempting it?
I didn’t do either of those things. Sure, I was disappointed that I hadn’t made it to the top, but I tried to be proud of how far I went. With a little more time, I’m sure I would have made it. I got to see some beautiful scenery. I did the best I could, and that was good.
I can’t help but compare my hike to how we can handle our mental health journeys. We might have a goal in mind. Under the right circumstances, we can achieve it. Sometimes we need to be happy with something that falls short of our goal. As long as we’re doing our best, we can feel proud of ourselves and everything we accomplish.
After my hike, I talked to my husband. We figured out that I still had lots of water in my backpack. I hadn’t been drinking nearly enough on my hike, which may have contributed to my slow pace and feeling sick. He wished he could have hiked with me and reminded me to drink more.
We need friends and family to walk along with us when it comes to our mental health, too. They can support us and remind us to take care of ourselves. The journey can be amazing, even if you don’t make it to the top of the mountain.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV)
Are you enjoying your journey through life, or are you frustrated because you haven’t reached the “summit” yet? How can focusing on God help you try your best and be content with how far you’ve come?
Thank you for the reminder Robyn. A few years back, I had the opportunity to attend Rocky Mountain High and went on the same hike. I was unable to make it to the top. I know the feeling of “failure”. I am so glad that God also made us to listen to our bodies and know when we have gone far enough.
Thanks for the comment, Shawn! Listening to our bodies is so important, especially as we get older. I’m glad you got to experience Rocky. It’s an awesome conference! Miss you, my friend! ~Robyn
Good Job, Robyn!!! You maybe didn’t get to the top but – YOU WON!!! You reacted in a great way. 🙂
Thanks, Shirley! I think I might be maturing in my old age because I definitely would have cried most of the way down a few years ago. (Maybe I was too dehydrated to cry!) 🙂 Thanks for commenting. ~Robyn
Enjoyed your post Robyn! So true! I fell and broke my arm so I have been dealing with frustrations too. I know I have to be patient by I’m afraid that is not one of my strongest virtues!
Thanks, Judy! Praying for you as your arm heals. Hope it’s good as new before too long and that God grants you patience in the meantime. Thanks for commenting! ~Robyn