No one wants a “You can do it!” text early on a Sunday morning. That’s why I sent it.
A very close friend of mine, as a young man would hike for days on historical trails, enjoying the beauty of nature and the physical benefits of those adventures.
Now, with he and I both in our early sixties the first step is often the hardest step to accomplish new recreational goals.
Or goals of any kind for that matter.
With me, I am addicted to the gym.
Need it? I have to be there every single morning.
With my friend?
He is a partner in a business that builds exclusive second homes for affluent executives in a mountain setting.
He recently told me that because of his workload and the mental stress from it, he is left physically exhausted, unable to do anything beyond the work day.
To add to his frustration, he heard from some buddies he hiked with in their youth that they are now on the Appalachian Trail, having the time of the their lives.
The first step toward anything is the hardest.
What makes it even harder is that we, at times, may not be able to see beyond the first step.
Yet we know we have to take it anyway.
However, the answer, the solution, the first step may be right in front of us.
Literally.
My friends obstacle?
His brain.
Dr. Caroline Leaf, in her book, Who Switched Off My Brain, goes into much detail as to how toxic thoughts and the lack of physical activity can lead us to be immobilized in life and vulnerable to physical challenges and disease.
My friends solution?
His specific answer is right outside his front door, and his back door.
He lives on the border of a beautiful majestic National Forest.
So as an encouragement to him, I sent him a text, early on a Sunday morning that said, “What you want is right outside your door. Take the first step.”
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