I have a favorite mountain peak that I have hiked probably 25-30 times over my lifetime. It’s a steep, rocky trail. There are three meadows along the path that offer respite in the form of flat ground and easy footing, and tall grass and wildflowers under an open sky.

Each of these meadows has a different representation for me as I enter them. The first meadow is a milestone that is cause for celebration, and exclamation of “We made it!”

It’s a moment to rest after a grueling couple of miles. A refreshing new view and openness after being forever in the shadow of pines. After a sip of water and maybe a snack, we are off again.

The second meadow is halfway up the trail, so we have a good idea of how much farther we have to go. It was a favorite camping spot, when I was a teenager, to await the arrival of others who would join our hiking party later. Together we would head towards the top, with renewed vigor and now, the additional companionship of friends.

The third meadow is probably least memorable. The third meadow is just half a mile from the lake. When we break out into the open air of the third meadow, it is a signal that we are almost there! Our pace quickens and the third meadow barely gets a moment of notice. And yet, today, I realized what a significant step it represents toward the summit.

The third meadow is the point of no return. There is no question that our goal is just over the next hill. We can see it so clearly that even taking a moment to rest is a distraction from what inevitably lies ahead.

Another clearing that is necessary as we move closer and closer to our desired destination is the clearing of rigid and useless beliefs and ideas about our ability to finish. When we clear these old thoughts, we immediately create space to see possibilities.

The clearings and meadows in our journey are welcome moments of peace and ease, but they are no comparison to the summit. The mountain top provides open expansive space and a view that is unobstructed. A meadow is nice, the journey is thrilling, completion is freedom!

Today, I Give Myself Permission to Love Where I Am

• My journey is mine
• I focus on my journey and allow others to focus on theirs
• I invite friends to join me for as long as they choose
• I am grateful for easy peace
• I enjoy the hike and I relish the respite
• I am thrilled with every new discovery along my path
• I am fully engaged in my adventure
• I am excited to see what is over the next hill
• I notice the opposition of highs and lows and appreciate each as they both take me closer to my goal
• I easily envision the view from the top and I appreciate every step

*Tip – Listen through to the end for more thoughts on ‘clearing’ and for a beautiful meditation the will inspire your next steps and to create and easy, peaceful path from this point forward.

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