Day 15: Joyful Anticipation

The last couple of years I have dipped my toe into hiking. I've climbed a couple of Munroes, a handful of hills around the UK and walked a couple of days in the Yorkshire Dales.

It's true what they say about physical challenges being more a mental game than anything else. Ultimately, I always know my feet will carry me up and get me back down (mostly) unscathed but my mood has been a little more varied.

One thing I often catch myself thinking is "I'll be happy when I reach the top."

In the moments where my legs ache, the clouds are drawing in, and all the good games have been played to boredom, it's nice to have a reminder of the joy to come. I always feel joyful at the top. Even when (more often than not) I'm met with dense cloud, no views and blistering winds.

But I wonder- is it possible to enjoy the whole journey? The very idea of reaching the top brings me joy in the moment - just through the thought of it! How different it could look to take each step with glee as opposed to a disgruntled drag.

I wonder what we are all looking forward to right now, and if we could revel in that feeling in this moment. The feeling of joyful anticipation.