| As a kid, our family set out on numerous adventures to take in as many of this country's varied scenic landmarks as we could while school was not in session. It was not unusual for our large family to pile into the clunky, old white Ford station wagon and head off on a camping excursion to KOA camp sites all across America. During one such trip, when I had just turned seven years old, my dad, mom, and two closest sisters camped at the foot of Mount Lassen. The goal was to hike to the top of the volcano if weather conditions cooperated. The next morning, excited to wake up to favorable conditions, my sisters and I quickly dressed and grabbed our jackets. My mom, however, decided to stay behind to "hold down the fort" at the campground. So there was my dad, heading up the mountain with three young girls in tow. Flying solo - just he and his girls. Looking back on that fond memory as an adult, I covet the lessons Daddy taught us that day. You see, he could have forced us up the hill with harsh words. He might have warned us in advance not to come with him if we chose to whine and complain. But instead, he slowly led the ascent up the rocky, barren trail, giving us one job: look for the mile marker along the path. I remember kicking up bits of rock and dust with my tennis shoes that warm day, wondering "What does a mile marker look like?" while I diligently inspected both sides of the pathway. After what felt like an eternity, we reached a small wooden post engraved with the trail mileage. My dad unexpectedly paused, slipped off his pack, and pulled out a small crinkled brown paper bag revealing a handful of candy sticks of all different flavors. "Choose one," he said, as I gazed down at the spiraling splash of colors winding down each candy. All three girls delightedly selected a favorite and proceeded to celebrate our first mile marker goal. Sitting atop a fallen tree, we each savored our treat as well as the accomplishment of reaching the marker. While enjoying our sweet snack, we watched as a chipmunk scampered down the trail chirping in opposition to the invasion of his home. Giggles filled the air as we contemplated sharing our snack with the little creature. "Would a chipmunk eat a candy stick?" we wondered. Probably not, we decided. As our candies slowly disappeared, my father explained to his girls that while the mountain looked very large and hard to climb while we stood at its base, we had already accomplished an important small goal toward reaching our final destination. Every mile marker hereafter we would rest again to enjoy a treat, take in the scenery, and celebrate another leg on our journey toward the summit. "You mean we can have another candy?" I asked. Knowing the response, all three of us jumped to our feet and moved quickly and joyfully up the trail. That day three young girls successfully reached the peak of Mt. Lassen - not only with their father, but with a newfound depth of understanding about perseverance and the nature of goal setting. To this day I look back on that experience and understand the wisdom of my father's choice not to bribe us from the start, but to allow us to struggle our way through the first leg of our journey...to feel the discomfort of the dusty, rocky trail without knowing the distance to the first marker or really even understanding what a mile marker was. After breathing in the relief that first resting spot brought us - accompanied by its delightful sweet reward - we soon exchanged the unquestionable discomfort of the first leg for feelings of accomplishment and determination as we pressed forward. We enjoyed a renewed sense of purpose for our main goal, and acknowledged the importance of taking time out to celebrate milestones along the way. Having a tough day? Discouraged at your lack of progress? Be reminded of your last milestone. Hoist a mental flag right there in that spot. It took quite a bit of effort to get there, and you made it. It's something that simply can't be taken from you. Take in that moment, using it fuel your drive to move forward as you think about the satisfaction of reaching the next marker. Reminder: challenging journeys become satisfying accomplishments if we recognize each mile marker along the way. Are you finding and celebrating your milestones? |
6 Comments
Lynn Derfelt
8/5/2015 02:01:18 am
Thank you for that. It's just what I needed to hear today! ❤️
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Denise
8/5/2015 02:28:46 am
You're quite welcome. I've wanted to write this up for awhile now. It feels so good to share!
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Molly D-K
8/5/2015 04:02:29 am
AWESOME post ---- desperately needed perspective today, and who knew it would come from KC ---- thank you from my lower viewpoint raised by your wisdom sharing . . . odd tough day
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Denise
8/5/2015 09:49:49 am
Yes, Molly...KC seems to come up quite regularly in the "internalized lessons" department. Glad he's still making an impact. : )
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Laura Vallenari
8/5/2015 05:59:04 am
Thank you! I needed that today!
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Denise
8/5/2015 09:50:43 am
Just what English teachers love to do during summer...read! : ) Hoping you are able to savor your days as the new year approaches.
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AuthorDenise Dedini enjoys camping, hiking, crocheting, being Nonna to her grandson, Silas, and teaches 8th grade mathematics. Loving every moment! ArchivesCategoriesFor legal disclaimer click here
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