I went on to a hike, not so far away, not too long ago. Every step I took brings me closer to the goal that I want to achieve, the summit.

If I stand still, I won’t go anywhere. If I walked backwards, I am moving away from the goal. If I don’t map the route, I can easily get lost. If I don’t bring the water, tent, food, and gear to wear, I can get myself into trouble. If I don’t ask the locals for guidance, their wisdom that could help will not find me. If I don’t prepare and train for the hike before departing, I will be easily exhausted.

If I don’t take the first step, I will never arrive.

This is the realization that came to me somewhere in the middle of the ascent. Where there is no smooth route that can help you to climb the rocky terrain. Where there is no breeze in the sting of heat. Where there is no warmth in the freezing top. Where the weights of the carrier kick in and somehow you got to keep going.

The reward is the clarity of mind.

And then, without you realizing, you have made it to the top. You finally can turn your back and see it yourself, how far you have walked. You realized that every tick of second, every step, and every push, matters. As long as you know where to go, know how to go, and decided to go….

All of it will be paid off.