It is easy to be distracted by the end goal, whether it is so appealing we lose sight of what is right in front of us or it is too daunting for us to move. But it is the only way forward. I recently embarked upon my first backpacking trip. The intention was for the trip to be an adventure that would challenge me and teach me more about myself and life. My trip checked all the boxes.

My first challenge was packing - enough to have what I would need for four days in the wilderness yet not so much that my pack would weigh me down over the 38 miles of trail ahead. This would become my first lesson - determining what is essential to move forward keeps pathways clear for efficient movement. I would come to discover that I brought many items of significant weight that I did not need at all. Unnecessary clutter weighed me down on this journey, as it often has in life.

Lesson 1: Carry with me only that which is necessary, for anything else stands in the way of what I aim to achieve.

The next challenge was another level of discernment, the choice of which route to take - the shorter distance with steeper grades or the longer distance with more gradual grades. Knowing that we had four days to cover the distance, I chose the longer route, as I thought that would give us more area to explore, beautiful views, and a more challenging route overall. This would eventually lead to more wear on my body, especially with such a heavy pack, but it was more rewarding in the end. Choosing the longer path felt overwhelming at times, but the adventure and accomplishment was well worth the extra miles.

Lesson 2: The longer path leads to more adventures, perspective, and growth.

The most humbling challenges began as I started hiking up the trail with the heavy pack on my back. I immediately felt the weight of my decisions to bring more items of comfort and take the longer path. I noticed that I often choose the most daring adventures in life, as a pattern of mine is to seek epic experiences or create them myself. This carries with it the weight of extra material items and certain expectations. It is through the shattering of these expectations that I learned about the beauty of embracing the unknown. By entering the unknown, I am challenging my perceptions, pushing my limits, and redefining my own capabilities.

Lesson 3: The unknown is my greatest teacher, as it shifts me into a deepened state of awareness and shows me new versions of myself.

The ultimate challenge was that of enduring the grueling journey ahead. I quickly noticed that the thought of the thousands of steps ahead of me seemed far more daunting than the thought of simply the next step in front of me. When I focused my attention on the present moment - the magnificent sights around me, the intoxicating smells of evergreens and wildflowers, the peaceful sounds of birds among the windblown aspens, and the ground in front of each footstep - time melted away. Thoughts of the miles or elevation gain ahead slipped away. By focusing on the present, I got out of my head and into my body. I shifted from limiting thoughts of how challenging the trail was and how much my body ached to the presence of the beautiful life around me and how I was moving forward one step at a time. Each step made my goal more achievable, and  with each step I proved to myself how much stronger I was than I thought. I learned that my only true limit is my mind, and I have the power to hold myself back or set myself free. Presence is the key.

Lesson 4: By focusing on my senses in the present moment and taking one step at a time, I can accomplish anything.