Sacrifice now, serenity later – The Trek

What am I willing to sacrifice for the opportunity to hike? There is a feeling of freedom if I have prepared properly, and what I mean is not physical or mental: it is financial.
I understand that my current responsibilities do not fade with each step. If I live a life of excess after I’ve made the decision to try hiking, I definitely won’t feel free. I imagine some people won’t find this exhausting, but for me, this is something I have to work really hard to achieve.
A new vehicle. The biggest television. Wow! This sofa is super comfortable. Wouldn’t it be nice to see my new larger TV sitting on this wonderful couch and be able to pick it up in my new vehicle? These are some of the things that prevent me from achieving my ultimate goal. I constantly remind myself what I am embarking on.
To be periodically reminded of the things that give me temporary gratification.
But when I stop and think about it, I’ve never told stories about my first car. My first television. Or a sofa that I couldn’t live without. But I have told wonderful stories of my first walk.
Old habits die hard. A simple walk past a steakhouse, a quick redirect and I just lost a week financially on the road. And I always know when my stomach is full.
Putting fuel in that new vehicle. Spilling wine on the new couch. Trying to figure out how to use this new TV.
I try hard to live a path of recognition, trying to reprogram my impulsive behavior. I fail quite often, but I honestly try to sacrifice the now for the serenity of the future.
I owe my success on previous hikes to my family. If I was buying a new car, TV, or couch and didn’t have the financial means, they would definitely let me know. But on this walk, they have never questioned this choice. And for that I will always be indebted to them.
So in the end, maybe the question isn’t what I’m sacrificing…
—but what are they?
I refuse to waste their sacrifice.

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