Rule Number Six

Rule # 6: Count Your Blessings

Soon, I find myself out of the second crater and looking back. A powerful River will one day return, but not today. Today, the backcountry allows me to continue my travels. I move up the Mountainside in harmony, an evolving reflection of the world that I find myself. Rubbing against such beauty forces me to wallow in beauty. I feel enriched. I feel fulfilled. Nature sinks her teeth into my soul. I know that I am a better man.

And I feel lucky today. I have carried a large bag up the Mountainside. I put my feet down with power and grace. I make strides into the forest, one step at a time. I don’t move quickly, for good reason. I want to see everything that I can possibly see in my Adventure.

In my slowness, and rhythm of breath, I reach the Sixth Stream on my journey. There have now been many steps in reaching this Stream. I have been lugging my sack up the mountainside for most of the day. The sun has moved across the sky and slowly matured into a late afternoon setting. I feel my own sweat and my legs. The grind of moving has begun to wear upon me. Yet somehow, I’m invigorated by my tiredness. Endurance exposes the confidence in a person.

Once again, I stand beside the flow of a larger Stream and gaze towards the other side. I map my way across the flow, picking my steppingstones. I’m strategic. I’m sure of myself. I make my plan and then execute. I don’t think about falling anymore. My thoughts have matured, and my pessimism has disappeared. I maneuver across the Stream, stopping for a second after the crossing. I decide to say another prayer. I thank God for watching over me and for showing me my way.

The twilight of another finished day soon shows itself. I begin to think about stopping my Travel. The Trail remains true, yet the light begins to teeter. I feel my destination in the not so far away distance. My steps are now labored and heavy. My limits are beginning to become extended. Nightfall begins to mark a period of rest and recharging for another day.