Early last Sunday morning I faced one of my biggest fears 😱
I returned to the trail where I broke my ankle and leg in the early morning hours last November. That day my whole world was literally and figuratively turned upside down.
The following words are me being vulnerable and sharing my experience with a purpose to give others hope. ❤️🙏
We pulled up to the parking space along side the road and my eyes glanced briefly toward the trail head. On the inside a voice said with determination, “I’m really going to do this! I’m going to be scared, but I WILL do this and I will be ok.”
Stepping off the edge of the road onto the soil the first visual memory washes over me. “The last time I crossed over this small stream, I was only able to scoot on my hands, butt, and left foot.” I was cold, tired and in pain. This day my body is strong, warm and agile.
Next step across the small stream of water and then one more pause to look upward. The trail is steep! Wow, this is going to be quite a journey, and I may as well start now. As my body moved forward step by step, my mind moved forward to another phase in the emotional healing process from a traumatic injury.
Going up the trail or any trail for that matter, was fairly easy. My legs were strong, my steps were solid and my arms were supported by trekking poles. I had familiarity with landmarks in the trail and welcomed all of them. The muscles of my lower body began to feel the burn of exercise. About a quarter to half mile in, I started looking……I wanted to locate and acknowledge where I had fallen, but I couldn’t remember exactly where it was. Justin was just ahead of me and as he pointed out the exact spot, my conscious mind quickly flashed back.
In a matter of seconds I remembered the feeling of the cool fall air, the smell of the dampness in woods, the areas of firmness in the soil from the frost taking over and I remember the sound of my cry out when I fell to the ground. It all had happened so quickly that day.
It’s mind blowing how much you’re able to recall from only one second of your life. All of my senses were on alert!
There were waves of anxiety and there were many deep breathes taken. Every step I took was extremely mindful, and I caught my thoughts waxing and waning between positive and negative.
“Fear knocked at the door and Faith answered, and no one was there.” ~Ancient proverbial quote
Whenever a negative thought crossed my mind I would use my faith and think or say something positive and the fear would disappear. 🙏❤️
As I reached the lookout for this trail I had a strong sense of empowerment! I DID IT!! I hiked that trail up here!!! The view was rewarding and peacefulness was invaluable.
The next part of the trip going down was a whole lot more stressful and I am confident they were a few times a curse escaped my lips! 😂😂
I know whole heartedly that returning to this trail was part of the healing thathad to happen in order for me to emotional heal and let the anxiety go.
When all was said and done, I accomplished hiking that whole trail, and yet I accomplished so much more. I believe in order to grow positively facing challenges and facing your fears is crucial to our lives.
❓What are you going to do with your fears?
❓Run away from them OR run towards them??
#Happieroutside #Runtowardyourfears
#Hiking
👆👆 The beginning/end of the trail!! I was looking down where Justin had reached the road and realized just how far I had come! 💗💗
Loving Empowering Energy,
Elizabeth
Empowered Passionate Life 