Life is a series of journeys, some short and sweet, others long and arduous. The paths we walk are not always easy, and often, the most challenging roads are the ones that lead to the greatest transformation. As I walk these difficult trails in life, I often use nature as a source of inspiration and motivation, a reminder that persistence in the face of adversity is not just possible, but essential.
In nature, the concept of a journey is ever-present. Think of the salmon swimming upstream against the current and of the seeds carried by the wind to far-off places where they can take root and grow. Every element of the natural world is engaged in its own unique voyage. These journeys are often long, filled with obstacles, and require immense strength and resilience. Yet, despite the difficulties, nature always finds a way.
The rouged mountain, for example. Majestic and seemingly immovable, mountains are the result of millions of years of tectonic activity—slow, deliberate, and powerful. The peaks we admire today did not rise overnight. They are the product of countless forces acting over eons, pushing, pulling, and shaping the earth until the mountains we know came to be. They stand as symbols of endurance, towering reminders that the most breathtaking landscapes are carved by time and perseverance.
Similarly, the journey of a tree from seed to towering giant is one of patience and resolve. When an acorn is set free to begin its journey, must first survive the harshness of its environment. It must push through the soil, reach for the sunlight, and endure the changing seasons. Some years are harsh, with little rain or brutal winds, but the sapling persists. It grows slowly, but steadily, its roots digging deeper into the earth and its leaves reaching higher with each passing year. The journey is long, but in the end, it becomes a towering oak, strong and unyielding, and a sanctuary for life.
In our own lives, we face journeys that can feel just as long and challenging. Whether it’s building a career, nurturing a relationship, or overcoming personal struggles, the trails we follow in our lives can sometimes seem endless. There are moments when the weight of the journey feels too heavy, when the obstacles seem insurmountable, and the destination too far away. It’s in these moments that I embrace nature for motivation.
When I hike through the dense Tongass National Forest or climb the steep Mt. Juneau trail, I’m reminded that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. The journey may be long, but each step brings me closer to my goal. Nature teaches us that persistence is key, that even the longest, hardest journeys are made one step at a time.
Just as a river carves through rock over centuries to create a canyon, we too can shape our lives through persistent effort and determination. The challenges we face along the way are not there to stop us but to mold us into who we are meant to be. Each obstacle overcome, each hardship endured, adds to our strength and resilience, much like the windstorms that shape the canyons into breathtaking landscapes.
The beauty of a long journey lies not just in reaching the destination, but in the growth and transformation that occurs along the way. It’s about becoming someone who can look back and say, “I made it through.” It’s about finding joy in the progress, no matter how slow, and recognizing that every step forward is a victory.
As you navigate the long and challenging journeys in your life, remember the lessons nature offers. Embrace the process, trust in your own resilience, and know that with each step, you are moving closer to becoming the person you are meant to be. Just like the mountains that rise and the trees that grow tall, you too are capable of greatness, one step at a time.
-Shay
Be the one who cares because there is no guarantee that anyone else will.
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