The Climb
The climb always starts at the bottom, the view never disappoints from the top.
It's the constant desire to find yourself, it's the need for authenticity. It's the hunt for sanity and peace, the treasures are purely a bonus.
Rock hunting or spending time in nature ultimately becomes therapy, where you can talk, sing, scream, cry, "get it out and leave in on the beach, let the waves take it away."
My story is mine alone. This doesn't have to be your path. But the journey I've taken to get where I am follows the same map. It involves identifying your mountains, trudging through the rushing rapids, the muck and the fallen trees. It takes uncertainty, as you can't always see the final destination but you know for certain it isn't where you are. The map involves deep water, steep climbs and gorgeous views from the top. It might not be just one mountain, that's the best part.
You may find many different paths, all with strenuous ways upward, but worth it in the end. My journey was a set of many mountains, and I manifested before I started the trek: "these are my mountains and they will not overcome me." What are your mountains?
Just because you've never hiked before doesn't mean you can't climb the mountain, it just means you'll be learning along the way.
The map of healing isn't the same for everyone. That's the most beautiful part. You can look back over it all in the end and see your journey, trace your finger along all the things you went through to get there, and be in awe of yourself and the strength it took you to endure the path set before you. Make sure you pack your bag accordingly, filling it with the proper tools and lifelines that will nudge you, that will tether you, that will encourage and support you. And if you forget something, there is a lesson to be learned there, have an open mind and always be looking for the full circle, the silver lining, the purpose in the pain. Embrace it. Learn from it. Keep going.
I've encountered some crazy paths, but I've never met a path I didn't like, because in the end, it's the journey that got you there that becomes your story. It's up to you to find the beauty in it.