Challenge Yourself Daily: An Appalachian Trail Climb

Challenges come in all forms. Physical. Cerebral. Artistic. They make life exciting. Challenges can be pushing yourself to become stronger. Hike farther. It can be learning a new skill. A new technique. A new sport. Discovering a new subject. As I get older, I try to challenge myself daily. How about you?

Have you tried to challenge your body or mind recently? Something that may be difficult for you at present?

Like an arduous hike up Mt. Minsi on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania at the Delaware Water Gap. We started together, my husband and I on the rocky AT. Climbing higher up the mountainside.

It took us longer, this time, to climb the mountain. Taking breaks when our bodies told us to. Resting on the big boulders along the trail. Drinking plenty of water. Enjoying fruit and nuts from our daypack on this short adventure. At our age, we hike by time instead of distance.

After climbing continuously for half an hour, my husband said he’d rest on this nice “comfy boulder” (?) and wait for me. I wanted to climb farther. I challenged myself to get to that overlook of the Delaware River we had visited before.

Up and up the root-and-rock laden trail. Watching my footing at all times. Crossing the Eureka Creek, I continued. Yes! I stopped frequently, pacing myself and drinking more water.

I notice slight differences in the way I climb as I get older. Immersed in the earthy scent of the forest, I grab the saplings that crowd the trail sides often as I clamber through the rocky trail heading to the top. Leaning forward as I ascend, I press down on my upper knee, pushing my body up the boulders. It’s easier to notice the beauty around me, without my young children hurrying me along. And I talk to God more often. Always thanking Him for keeping me strong and allowing me to explore this wonderful world.         

Challenges are good for the soul. Be curious. Wonder. “What would it be like if I could…?” Want it badly enough. See yourself doing it!

Of course, you always need to listen to your body. Take breaks so as not to get discouraged with yourself. Whether you are hiking or learning something new. Give yourself time to become stronger, to absorb new material. Move forward little by little.

No matter how impatient we get with ourselves. Okay, maybe it’s just me! But all new knowledge, new strength, takes time to build. To make muscle memory, the “unconscious ability to perform a physical task due to frequent repetition,” according to the internet. For me, it’s like typing. I couldn’t tell you where the letters and numbers are on the qwerty keyboard, but my fingers know. Constant repetition made it so.

Now, if I could only understand chess. My husband tells me how each piece can move. And I immediately forget. Cheat sheet! I need to create a cheat sheet until I learn the pieces’ movements.

Please share any experience you may have, trying new challenges in life, in the comments section of Camping with Five Kids. Then why not try another new challenge. Mind or body. Push yourself. Within reason, obviously. Enjoy being alive!