A while ago I went through one of those periods in life, which seemed to contain way above the general amount of stress I was accustomed to. There was a major crisis going on and subsequent tension on the work front and all this spilled over family and personal life. Doesn’t it usually go that way?
Up until that point I considered myself quite a calm person, able to withstand aggravating circumstances and be patient with difficult personalities. It wasn’t just my opinion but friends and coworkers had told me so more than once.
I guess it’s good to realize that even your strong point sometimes can fail you and, if nothing else, this apparent disappointment and failure helps you to remain humble.
Well, it so happened that I lost my patience, my well-treasured, vintage patience, and I lost it more than once! I was constantly tense and on edge, and that started affecting my sleep and my general health. I was becoming a different person and saw myself going down a dangerous path.
I knew that if I wanted to keep my sanity I had to find a way out, and in fact the way happened to be right out my door!
There’s a windy road just around the corner, all uphill, that in about 8 km takes you to a mountain pass, not a high one, but definitely a worthwhile goal.
So I started my almost daily walks.
I’m a good walker but going uphill has never been my favorite, so I started slowly, a little more each day, till I finally was able to walk long distances.
Along the way I’d listen to music and inspirational podcasts.
I’d pray for my children, loved ones and friends.
I’d take time to admire the gorgeous view, the majestic trees and the occasional squirrel.
I’d sing aloud absolutely careless, as hardly anyone was passing by anyway.
I’d cry and cry.
Sometimes, as I left the house, I was so pent up inside I felt I was about to explode and in fact, my step was so fast I was almost running.
Running away from problems and tensions, “throwing off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”, into “the peace which surpasses all understanding”. Into the divine.
That particular challenging period of my life is over but I’m sure others will come. Those uphill walks helped me immensely to unplug from my present reality and connect with God and His perfection. They helped me to get rid of tension, frustrations and negativity and breath fresh air and think heavenly, positive thoughts.
I still go up that road, though not as often, and since I practically memorized every turn, it has almost become part of me. It contains my heartbreaks, my tears and my newfound joy.
The Love Log 