The Power of Small Steps

            Goals are great. Aiming for the moon from day one, though, can keep us from taking that first step. (New Year’s resolutions abandoned by February…)
            Our son overcomes sensory panic in increments. It took years of work for Sean to willingly walk through a dentist office door, much less sit for a checkup—and it’s still a work in progress. First step: Exiting the car near the dentist office. Next step: Walking up to the dentist office door. After that: Walking into the waiting room. Dozens of tries for each step. Determined small steps lead to bigger steps.
            “Wow, I really want to go to that place,” you think, looking at photos of a hiking site, then sigh, “But I’m not a hiker.” You don’t have to be. Buy a map, get directions online. Get to a trailhead and enjoy the scenery. Next time, maybe you’ll walk part of a trail and back. Doing the scenic drive to a trailhead and taking a calm breath in the open air are goals unto themselves.
            This Hikes list starts with locations that have easier options for short walks or views, have bathroom facilities and parking. More challenging hike info is in the pipeline! Today’s hike notes are about Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a place of tidepools, harbor seals, and an intriguing forest.
            New entries appear in the Hikes and Insights sections every week or two.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
Hike Notes 1: Marin Headlands Visitor Center to Rodeo Beach
Hike Notes 2: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve