The Joy is in the Journey

OK. I don't usually do this, but I'm going to start off with a quote...or two.

First one..."the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Or how about this one, "how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

If you haven't heard one or both of those quotes, well...you must be living under a rock. Or playing too many video games. Either way, if you are going to accomplish anything, the first thing you must do is...start. And turn off the video games or t.v. I know it's asking a lot, but I don't want you to have any surprises here.

Obviously you have to know where you are going. That's a given. I remember when I summited the tallest mountain in Colorado...Long's Peak. You may think the first step was at the trailhead, but it was long before that. I had to start getting physically fit months before the climb. I had to learn the best time of year to make the climb, considering the weather can change at a moments notice...there are still better times of the year to make the climb than others. And I had to make sure I had the right gear. Then we headed for the mountains.

Once we got to the base of the mountain, we set up camp and knew what our goal was. There was nothing going to stop us either...well maybe lightning and a hellish storm. It almost stopped us. Hell, it almost killed us, but that's another story. It subsided before we set out for the peak at 2:37am. I don't ever recommend getting up that early.

To summit the mountain, you work through stages. First was the trailhead, then the timberline. The bolder field and the keyhole. Finally, the last three stages were the trough, the narrows, and home stretch. Just when you thought you were in one of the final stages, something would tell you different. A land mark, another hike, or something. At times I wanted to quit. I was hungry...tired...sore...and thirsty. Oh yeah, it also looked like another rain storm was moving in. But I was so close now I couldn't stop. And I'm damn glad I didn't. When I took my last step on the home stretch and pulled myself up to the top...wow. The view was incredible. Not another mountain could stand in my way, because I was now taller than all of them. The work paid off...and I'll never forget the experience. We, my brothers and two friends that climbed with me, actually talk more about different parts of the climb than actually standing on top. It was a great time...good laughs, conversation, and test of self-determination.

Don't get me wrong, standing on the top of that mountain was awesome, but the journey was even better. I believe the journey is always the best part. Think about it...when you reach a goal, or realize a dream what's one of the first things you do? You start thinking about what's next. Of course you enjoy the fruits of your labor, but it's not too long and you are ready for that next challenge...dream...goal.

That's the beauty of living fit...rich...and fun. It's truly living life to the fullest when your health and finances are worry free. Start believing and taking steps, even baby steps, towards your goals and dreams. They are waiting for you but if you don't believe you can do something...you won't even take that first step.

Start thinking about it...decide. What's your goal...destination? Push all doubt and fear aside because it is doing nothing but holding you back.

When you reach your "summit" you are going to realize all the blood...sweat...and tears were worth it. You are going to feel ecstatic.

Take that first step and enjoy the journey. It truly is the best part of the ride.

Stay in motion,

Dana Houser
http://www.fitrichandfun.com