Dear Me, Dear You: Choose the Challenging Path

When faced with a decision between taking the easy path, or the challenging path, always choose the more challenging of the two. The easy path may feel comfortable and safe, and I understand why it would seem the more desirable option, but there is no magic down this road, no growth, no adventure. It’s like walking along a trail in the prairies - no surprises, no twists and turns, no summits with spectacular views to reward you at the top. You can see what lies ahead of you for kilometres. It’s an enjoyable enough trail for sure, with beautiful sights of it’s own, and I have no doubt you’ll be content walking along. If contentment is enough for you, then choose this trail. But if you feel in your bones that you were born for something more, the comfort, safety, and contentment of this trail will not feed your soul. The challenging path is where the magic, growth and adventure lie. If you’ve ever hiked a mountain, you know how difficult the trek can be, and how much you will want to quit on your way up. You will also know the feeling of pride and awe when you reach the summit, look out at the land below, and reflect on what you just accomplished. When making a decision on which path to take, ask yourself, “which path will make me the most proud when I look back?”. Which path will allow me to say, “fuck yeah! I did that!”? That’s the path you may not want to take initially, but it’s the path you must choose. It will appear intimidating, it will activate your self doubt and it will frighten you. That’s how you know it’s the right one. Take breaks when you must. Cry when you need. Ask for help and allow yourself to receive. Go as slowly, but keep walking. I promise, it will be worth it when you reach that summit.