Step by Step

Step by Step
            Overlapping sets of challenges can appear so daunting that we freeze.
            My older son, a bright student, felt that way about math. As an elementary school student, looking at two or three math problems on a page was okay. But when a teacher handed out a single page densely packed with 100 multiplication problems, he’d melt into a math anxiety puddle. He was unable to start the problems, much less finish them.
            My younger son, pummeled by severe autism, epilepsy, food allergies, motor planning issues, and language challenges, must feel like he’s looking at a page with 100 math problems with just about everything he does.
            As a parent trying to juggle care for my special needs son, earning an income, and all the other tasks a life entails, I also get dizzy with the swirling mass of problems before me.
            Breaking things down into doable components, one problem at a time, makes it possible to climb over the steepest mountains of challenge. Step by step, digestible task by digestible task, we make our way through.
            Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, stop and take a breath. Look in front of you. Get a sense of the bigger path. Then assess just the next few steps.
            Take that first step. Feel good that you got there. Take another breath, and move up to the next step.
            There’s always another approach to cope with difficulties. Give yourself a pat on the back with each step forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, King Mountain Loop Trail, follows a 1.8 mile loop featuring tree covered trails and bay views in the King Mountain Preserve above Larkspur.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 66: King Mountain Loop Trail