One Step at a Time

One Step at a Time
            Bright patterns of green, orange and turquoise draw us upward, decorative tiles shining in the sun. A complex design reveals itself in stages as our eyes raise to the next set of steps. Something about colorful, decorative stairs makes it less of a chore to climb them.
            San Francisco is blessed with many wonderful stair walks. The appeal of some is the charming pockets of quirky homes and fanciful gardens they pass through. The charm of others is in the steps themselves, with cleverly applied color and design making magic from a functional structure.
            Not all stairways are so appealing. A difficult time in life can feel like an endless stretch of dreary stairs before us. The spirit to keep climbing may temporarily disappear.
            When tasks ahead look like a long, daunting slog, remember that it’s okay to stop and rest. Look ahead one step at a time.
            Put one foot up, then bring the other foot to rest. Sit to rest and regroup if you wish. Look back and acknowledge how far you’ve come.
            Eventually we make it up the stairs, whether the steps were adorned with cheerful colored tiles or not.
            Pat yourself on the back for getting as far as you have, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Lincoln Park Steps-Legion of Honor Loop, takes readers up one of San Francisco’s most colorful stairways, and leads past gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, a lovely golf course, and the grand Legion of Honor.
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism
New this week:
Hike Notes 167: Lincoln Park Steps-Legion of Honor Loop