Thursday, May 7, 2009

Growth Spurt




My life feels like I'm on a hike. Most of the time my path is pretty level with beautiful scenery, and I'm comfortable with the rate at which I am traveling. But then I must climb a hill to continue the journey, and suddenly I'm connecting with parts of myself that need healing. I draw those experiences to me that enable me to grow. It's uncomfortable, and requires effort. It's slow going sometimes, and I really wish I hadn't started this hike!

But then I reach the top of the little hill and I can sit and rest.

It's this resting stage that I'm leaving.

So who knows what I'll draw to myself to help in whatever lesson I'm about to take on. But I'm excited to get going.

What about you? Are you on level ground enjoying the scenery, or heading up a hill and really exerting too much effort to talk right now? Or are you resting, pleased with the progress you've made?

44 comments:

Meeko Fabulous said...

It's those hills that make us stronger though. Currently, enjoying the scenery after a couple of hills. :)

Expat From Hell said...

Great question, another provocative one. Why should I be surprised when I come over here?
I have been heading downhill for some time, as you know. Probably leveling off now. Wondering how soon it will be before Ayers Rock (sorry, Uluru) starts to loom in the distance. Then I will catch up to you!

EFH

Elizabeth Bradley said...

Like the Kate Bush song, I'm Runnin Up That Hill. Damn, it sure is steep. I'm looking forward to getting to the top. Would be nice to have a rest before heading back down to see what I might find on the other side.

Spiritual Journey said...

I'm on the uphill trek, together with my family. You know what, even if going up is tough, it sure is fun when everybody is on board.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I can see the top of the hill...just ahead, I think...Wonderful imagery! Thanks! ~Janine XO

Verily I go. said...

I'm resisting. Insecure. Hoping the damn breaks and I have time to get my shoes. I need to race to the hill and catch some thinking while I climb. Wonderful post.

Bogey said...

Very thought provoking post.I'm not really sure what is worse though. The struggle of the climb, or losing control from the downhill momentum. Level ground would be nice once in awhile. If you remember my poem, "The Child Within" you will understand what I mean. I'm definitely looking for a bench in the park somewhere so I can take the load off. Great post.

Natalie said...

Head down, in concentration and exertion, I am climbing and climbing.There seems to be no time to rest, for there are others depending on me.
I have decided I will rest though, a wise traveler knows that rest is paramount for their own safety, and the safety of others.Not long now, I can almost see the next lookout! What a lovely view!xx

Unknown said...

i believe life to be very much as you describe, with all the learning taking part in the up hill climbing section.the plateaus are just for rest from on transition to another xx

Lillian Robinson said...

My positive attitude tells me I'm finally at the apex. I'll sit and rest awhile. The book will flow when I start down the other side...

Excellent post!

ellen abbott said...

I feel like I've been slogging up this hill for a lifetime but I'm so used to it it feels like level ground.

Joanne said...

Hm, I just finished a large writing project, so I would have to say I'm stopped on a ledge climbing up, resting a little, contemplating how to take my next step up the writing hill.

Marlene said...

wow thats interesting...now that I think of it I have been in a resting mode...just waiting for the next trail to take..not too sure which way to go or if i want to leave the resting place yet...maybe waiting for a little push..from destiny?

Anonymous said...

Humm, and there is something that keeps us moving, even when we can't see the peak for the fog. The trail is rocky, but exciting. And I like all the other hikers, on criss-crossing trails, that I meet along the way.

Carolyn R. Parsons said...

I am the river, cutting through the land, flowing forward, occasionally I fall, then ripple, then calm then flow again..eventually I will reach the ocean as long as I go with the river's flow. I see the land from where I flow and know others are looking to join me, but afraid to jump in and just let go.

Breeze

Swetha said...

i think i m climbing the hill slowly, taking my own time to reach up !.. :)

Nicole said...

I feel that I can finally enjoy the scenery after climbing a pretty high heel...I see some smaller hills ahead but for now I am just resting and enjoying. I am looking forward to climb those smaller hills eventually. what really feels good is, that i won't have to climb them by myslef :)

Marguerite said...

Great post! I am in between resting and enjoying the scenery and enjoying every minute.

Anonymous said...

I am on a hill and resting. I look down and see how far I've come. I sit to thank and praise God for being with me and helping me.
The journey has been rough with many a twisting paths, but it has helped me to draw nearer to Him.

I see the expansiveness of the star filled sky at night and the grandness of the valley at dawn. All a witness to me that He is the Creator, yet He loves me and cares for me, a mere speck in His creation.

Lydia said...

Perfect picture for your wonderful post. I must admit that I've been hanging on lower ground looking at a hill that I have to take on, one with old scenery that I must revisit in order to determine what souvenirs to keep and which to let go. So I can move forward to new scenery. Just today I told my husband that my admitted inability to tackle this particular unappealing task points to depression, and he agreed. Sometimes knowing what holds me back doesn't necessarily provide the clarity to move along. Sometimes I find the impetus elsewhere......gee, can you guess where I might have found some tonight. :)
Happy hiking to you.

Unknown said...

Interesting thing to ponder: am starting the hike uphill and can see that there is still a way to go, but I keep plodding on knowing that there is a better view from the top. That is motivation to keep going. Thank you for this. :)

Joanna Lee said...

Definitely been on an uphill climb for some time. It's hard not to get discouraged, but I have a wonderful sister helping me out. I also have a spiritual life that feeds my spiritual needs.

If you're looking for a little positivity, see my declaration of hope on my Therapeutic Inspirations blog:

http://therapeuticinspirations.blogspot.com

It might give you a boost on your climb!

Just know that you're not alone. I am hear to listen; as I'm sure many fellow bloggers feel the same way.

As a community of bloggers, we can be there for each other. Sometimes all we need, is a person who will listen.

Although this form of communication can feel like an anonymous experience; in many ways it's just a different social experience. I know I feel its benefits!

So...hello, my friend! Feel free to vent, explore, express, and whisper. I am here to listen!

robert said...

In front of hills
First it seems to be all a green surface, not knowing of its numerous layers. Only if the evening sun comes out, one could see the peack.'
P'ei Tu (chin.poet)

Ruth said...

Uphill, uphill, uphill.

Mental P Mama said...

Oh, how wonderful is this??? I am definitely climbing. And a little winded. I love this part;)

Teresa said...

The past few years have definitely been an uphill climb, as anyone who has read my blog can see. I keep thinking it's going to level out and I'll be able to enjoy the scenery but over each crest of the hill is just another hill. {sigh} It does get a bit old and trying even though I know the hills are what is toughening me up. My fear is - for what? What is left in my path that I must get so ready for?

harmony said...

I am in a wooded area, surrounded, trying to decipher which route is best.
I feel there is a place that I will have to choose which route to take and it is soon.
I enjoyed reading this and contemplating how it is true to my life. Thank you--

Butternut Squash said...

Wonderful metaphor!

We are planning to stop the hike soon, jump back into the car, and head into the heavy traffic of life again. After having been at a road side rest stop for the past two years we are returning the big city. I have a firm grasp on my skivvies. I can see the hills on the horizon.

Valerie said...

I'm on the level right now and appreciating the rest after climbing upwards for so long. Love your idea, do you mind if I borrow it for a talk I'm preparing for? ...Valerie

Little Miss Sunshine State said...

I think I'm somewhere in between. Learning to be Mom to grown-up people and having to mother my Mom more each year. I'm also appreciating my empty nest and learning to be just a couple again with my husband and being surprised at how great being in your 50's is!

I gave you an award on my blog. I hope you'll go check it out.

Jen said...

I am currently standing at the bottom of the hill looking up, trying to psych myself up for the trek to the top.

Anonymous said...

Aaah, the ever challenging hike! And the symbolism is nice. I was in a cave and started the long treck out last year. I fell a few times and couldn't get up (like the commercial! ha ha), but then I burst into a sprint and I'm now at a great lookout spot! I have a few more summits ahead, but I have all my hiking gear prepared! :-)

susan said...

Don't tell me you've taken another one of those Sisyphean tasks. I thought you promised to stay over there on top of your hill so we could wave to each other whenever we liked.

Anonymous said...

I'm climbing up so many hills so quickly, I'm afraid I'll run out of hills to climb! It's those hills that enable me to feel stronger and more comfortable in my own skin!

I like to enjoy the scenery on my way up, and down the hill.

:)

Very inspirational blog.

♥ Braja said...

I love it all :)

Jo said...

Right now I seem to be sliding down the other side of the hill on my keister. Ouch, ouch, ouch! :-)

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

As always, an excellent post. I've equated this to a merry go round or a roller coaster...I am always on the roller coaster and currently reaching the top ready for the thrill of it all!

Cheryl Cato said...

Nice analogy. At this point in my life I'm on a level area; however, for the last couple of days there has been a little dip in which I find myself. It's a struggle to pull out of it, but I shall with a bit of effort.

Deboshree said...

I think I'm headed uphill too.I know it's gonna be hard but as you said there will be time for rest once the hike is complete.That is what makes me go on.
Life has just started and it will be sometime before I start enjoying the scenery.
All the best to you^_^
Love
Deboshree

Renee said...

Wonderful post.

Renee xoxo

Missy said...

I am definately climbing and out of breath and desperately looking for that plateau. I hope I see it soon!

CrazyCris said...

Great metaphore!

I feel more like I'm climbing up to the peak of a mountain range rather than a hill... each time I think I'm nearing the peak I realise I'm just on a lower one and have to go down into the valley and then back up the other side to keep on track. Feels like a roller coaster. Hopefully this time I'm on the final uphill battle! I just need to find the oxygen for those final meters through the clouds!

Unknown said...

well i am a twenty years old girl just entered to th university,
so i think on the whole i'm ascending right now or at least trying to.
there are ofcourse times that i take for resting,looking back,watching th path ahead ,enjoying the beauty around , regreting the choices i ignored at a time or even imaginig the top hill.
yes i've fallen,i've wished to return back,i've felt the sharp waves of the scorching sun and thanked the crazy-blown wind.
and i still have a long way forward...
though i may change my mind,i think that the mankind is always heading up.he gets to the summit when he ends his life.

Kay said...

your words speak clear and true here; makes me wonder if I have ever sat for long enough to rest...thank you for your pleasant comments and blogs. FYI all I write is my own, unless I post otherwise (as of yet, none).