I let them go, just like that, without even thinking about it. It just happened. They left without even a whisper of a goodbye. Fear, Worry, Stress, my long-time companions. I just let them go.
I admit, I don’t even really know how I did it. I took no classes, had no mentor point the way, no formula or map.
Which is why I am so surprised. I’ve hiked down a particular trail many times, which always ended at a locked door, where I’ve turned back. Once, when I arrived, the door was unlocked. I turned the doorknob, only wanting to peek on the other side, but was tackled to the ground by Fear, Worry, and Stress. They certainly got the jump on me that day.
Then this morning, at the trailhead, I grabbed my hiking poles, donned my pack filled with water, lunch, and a good book, and headed down the path, where Fear, Worry, and Stress, although always present, often quieted their opinions.
When I arrived at the door, I found that it was wide open! Did I hesitate? Briefly, but only because my companions shrieked an objection, but my other constant companion, Curiosity, won the day, and with strong strides, I stepped across the threshold.
In an instant, I realized everything was different.
Curiosity was still at my shoulder. But where were Fear, Worry, and Stress? I looked back, but could not see them. Instead, there were new companions. Standing over by the Ponderosa Pine, someone tipped a hat. It was Peace. And on their own hike were Tranquility and Calmness, who smiled at me and wished me good morning. And sitting on a rock down by the creek was Serenity, who waved at me.
I waved right back and hiked further into the forest, knowing finally that I was on the right trail, the one I had been seeking my entire life, a trail of wisdom and clarity and beauty and magic, that could be hiked into eternity.
