The Easy Path

The Easy Path
            “No pain, no gain!”
            “Go big or go home!”
            We’re told that if we don’t push ourselves to the extreme, it’s not even worth trying. It’s important to push ourselves sometimes, but trying to live up to those phrases constantly sets us back more than moves us forward.
            Few things make me feel better than getting my autistic son out for a steep mountain hike. After years of battling sensory obstacles just to get outdoors, long hikes are an accomplishment for him and our entire family. But some days, just getting fresh air and taking an easy stroll is enough.
            If you know your day will be better by going out for a walk, but aren’t feeling at your peak, go where your energy level guides you. Taking the easy path is not only okay, sometimes it’s exactly what we need for our physical and mental health.
            Listen to your mind and body, be kind to yourself, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Coyote Creek Boardwalk Stroll, offers a short, scenic stroll with Mt. Tam in view from a wooden boardwalk near Bothin Marsh in Mill Valley.
            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 on Facebook at HikingAutism, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism
New this week:
Hike Notes 176: Coyote Creek Boardwalk Stroll