The Incline is a pretty fabulous metaphor for life.

At first appearance, it looks a little intimidating. Then you commit and take that first step, and another, and another, and another . . . Immediately you are making progress.

You stop to take a break and the top sure still looks far away. Then you turn around and are encouraged by how far you have come.

Then you do what there is to do ~ you start taking steps again until you need another breather. You notice that the top is closer and the bottom is farther away. You repeat this cycle as many times as needed.

You notice that there are people who are moving faster than you, slower than you, and just about the same pace as you. You notice that some people are having fun and some seem to be suffering.

You notice that there is an opportunity to bail out and get off of The Incline and onto the Barr Trail just before the steepest section of the trail. You go for it and keep ascending.

The top is close and then you discover that there is a false summit and more mountain ahead of you. You experience some emotion and then you do what there is to do ~ start taking steps again.

You reach the top and celebrate. Then you get back to work. You still have to hike back down.

In this whole process, you can see hundreds of steps in front of you but you can only take the one that is immediately in front of you. If you just keep doing that, you will make it to the top!
Much love,

Jonathan