For some weeks I have been putting off replacing the dependable path riders blaming it on "lack of time". Truth of the matter is, I am struggling with the acceptance that is time for change. Some might think, why all the drama, it is merely about hiking shoes. But for you that know, hiking it is more about my personal well-being than just merely shoes and physical activity. During my hikes I have had many highs and some lows. I have walked many kilometers in pure silence and have walked some chattering along with friends. Each of my hikes sacred and they have contributed to the person I am today.
Rather than going out and getting my new shoes, I entertained the idea of hiking less challenging trails where the terrain wouldn't demand so much from my entrusted shoes, and their shortcomings wouldn't be so evident. I was finding excuses no to get new shoes rather than solutions. However, I realized that I couldn't compromise with that solution, and I eventually invested in the new path riders. They are not the same brand, not the same style, or the same color. They are their own unique product, and they now have something to prove for themselves.
So today I embarked on a solo hike to do some research to either convince myself that putting off getting the new shoes was justified, and that the new ones would never equal the old entrusted ones. And in case I was wrong about that statement, it would at least allow for some bonding time with the new companions. Relationships grow from experiences and feelings. During my hike I found myself talking, feeling, looking and comparing the two against each other. How would the old differ from the new, which of the two would feel better, walk better, have better grip. But the truth be told, both are equally great, comfortable and performing as to be expected. It made me realize it wasn't about the shoes, it is about me and where I am at this moment in time, my needs and my expectations, and above all my not willingness to acknowledge the struggle and accept the challenges. The entrusted versus the struggle is difficult and at times painful.
Back in the day, I needed comfortable, suiting, entrusting shoes that would take me from one point to the next along beautiful scenes. Today I feel that I need shoes that can deal with more rugged terrain, more challenging routes and circumstances along equally beautiful scenes. And as I hiked my 11 plus kilometers I came to realize we deal with daily struggles in all our relationships, the family we grew up in, our own families, friendships, work, and yes even in the bond we share with our shoes. We struggle with holding on to the entrusted paths and the challenge of accepting the lack of synergy between the expected and the received, and the willingness to be open to new endeavors, situations and circumstances. By letting go of the entrusted we are not ungrateful for what was, we are merely accepting the need for change. Just as by allowing in the new, we are acknowledging the same.
After I finished my hike, I was grateful and thankful to my new shoes. As customary I rewarded myself with a yummy yummy cold beer and an excellent Sopi Rabu di Baka.
My lesson learned today, acknowledge the struggle, accept the challenge, change is good. It might just be the difference between perfect, excellent and euphoric or between being content with blisters. At the end of the day it is all about your wellbeing.
Always G 🤍
