17 Apr Glass Half Full at the Narrows Zion
Today’s post will be short and hopefully somewhat inspirational to get you through the day.
Sometime in June 2014, my boyfriend and I drove to Zion National Park to hike The Narrows. For those of you who don’t know what The Narrows is, it is the narrowest section of the Zion Canyon where you are hiking through the Virgin River. We set a goal to do an 8-9 hour hike RT or until we reached Big Springs. Before I get into it, I just want to mention that we were not really prepared. We didn’t have a map with us and we didn’t wear waterproof clothing. So here we were, trudging through freezing water, taking big strides from one slippery-moss-covered-rock to the next, not having a clue as to how close we were to our destination. The currents only got stronger and the water got deeper the further we went. We were pretty much drenched the entire time (ew). We were starting to have doubts and wanted to turn back around after seeing others get discouraged. However, we refused to give up — even if we didn’t know what was ahead. After a few slips, a misplaced pair of sunglasses, and a whole lot of complaining, we miraculously made it to our destination. Not going to go into detail, but basically it was beautiful. It was worth it. And it was so rewarding! Now, I don’t mean to get all metaphorical on you, but I’m going to – sor. The one thing I realized from this hike is that you gotta stop making excuses for yourself and just DO IT – whatever it is. Yes, the “what-ifs” will probably dominate our thoughts, but why do we always let those win when we haven’t even given the other side a chance. What’s the worse that could happen? What if you get a better outcome than expected? This can apply to almost everything. If you’re scared you’re going to suck at painting, well, what if you don’t and end up becoming the next Picasso? You may fear that you’re not going to get a job, and let’s say you don’t, but what if that leads you to start your own business and make six-figures?! Or if you’ve been wanting to become a professional ping-pong player, but make excuses about how you’re not coordinated enough, ping-pong tables are expensive, blah blah blah…well, yeah. Then you’ll never be a professional ping-pong player, not unless you learn to stop doubting yourself! Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will people! And they also close you off to new opportunities. Going back to the hike, if we continued to doubt and make excuses, we would have never have reached our goal. Sorry I lied, this isn’t a short post at all (oops). Bottom line is, you can choose to make excuses, OR you can choose to make progress. What’s it gonna be?
P.S.
I just wanted to thank each and every one of my early subscribers and to those who have been so supportive on this new journey, you know who you are. THANK YOU, I will remember this forever. LOVE YOU GUYS <3 < 3 <3
Here are images from the rest of this trip (all iphone).
On the way to Zion
Waist Deep at the Narrows Zion
Big Springs!
Squirrel
Oscar’s Cafe
St. George LDS Temple
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Katie
Posted at 03:59h, 08 MayLoving your photos too, Carmelisse! I think that sometimes the biggest midadventures (all of that cold water!) make for the best and most memorable stories later on 🙂 it’s always worth going for it.
Chalsie
Posted at 07:57h, 17 AprilWhat a beautiful post! I totally agree with you! I miraculously quit my day job to freelance, that was a year ago now, and I’ve never looked back!
Chalsie | The Workshop Co. x
Carmelisse
Posted at 08:07h, 17 AprilHi Chalsie! How amazing! I love hearing stories about that. I recently quit my job too and I’ve never been more excited in my life. Thank you for taking the time to read! <3