Each Step Can Be a Challenge

Posted on Oct 17, 2012 in Blog, Coaching, Contemplative Life, Leadership, Pilgrimage, Reflection, Spiritual Direction | 8 Comments

Each of us is making a pilgrimage, and each day is a pilgrimage within our pilgrimage. Our pilgrimages, and our days, are filled with single steps.

Each of our days is filled with conscious, deliberate decisions to take steps. Some of those steps continue the well-worn paths we are following. Some steps ask us to take new risks. Some steps require us to prepare for them. Some steps we need to take alone.

For some, the first step is the most challenging. They can map out the plan for the entire journey, but are reluctant to begin. Others find the steps to continue beyond them. Some are inspired to start, but resist completing the journey.

Each step can be a challenge. Each step is important. Each step can be the step that trips us and brings us to our knees. Each one can be the step that reveals to us what we need to keep going.

It is often the steps that are most challenging when we take them that give us the greatest benefits. They are the steps we remember and celebrate.
Sometimes we step without paying attention. If we are not mindful of where we are going, our steps can take us places we do not necessarily want to go. It can be a challenge to discern where we took a misstep, where we began to lose our way. We may need to retrace our steps, go back, and find a new path.
Each step can be a challenge. Each step can be a conscious decision to recognize and appreciate our truest, deepest selves. Each step can help us prepare for the next day of our pilgrimage.
What do you need to do today to prepare for your next step?

What steps are you preparing to take tomorrow?

Where is your next step?

[Image by Chris Paul Photography]

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8 Comments

  1. ThinkCEO
    October 17, 2012

    “Each one can be the step that reveals to us what we need to keep going.”

    So true! When we hold this fact in our heart as we journey, the perception changes; from one of FEAR caused by a lack of knowledge, to one of WONDER as we anticpate what new opportunity will be revealed with each step.

    Great post. Thanks Greg!

    Reply
    • Strategic Monk
      October 17, 2012

      Thank you, Brendan.

      Yes, each step is an opportunity, each step hold the potential to change everything. As our pilgrimage continues our response to our steps grows and deepens.

      The key is to continue taking steps.

      Reply
  2. Margaret
    October 17, 2012

    when we take one step at a time, even if we’re unsure where we’re headed, we can look back and see where our pilgrimage has taken us. Great thoughts!

    Reply
    • Strategic Monk
      October 17, 2012

      Thank you, Margaret!

      I appreciate your kind words, and am honored to be sharing this walk with you.

      Reply
  3. Erin Angelico
    October 17, 2012

    Exactly what I needed to read today as I change take the first step in a new, scary but wonderful direction. Took me a while to work up the courage after I realized my steps were not mindful and leading me down a not fulfilling path and I needed to change course.

    The steps I took today lead me to this post and it was exactly what I needed so thank you.

    Reply
    • Strategic Monk
      October 17, 2012

      Thank you, Erin! Your courage encourages me.

      It sounds like you are learning to navigate well in a particularly exciting part of your journey.

      It is an inspiration to be on the pilgrimage with you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

      Reply
  4. Kim Galgano
    October 17, 2012

    Such a relevant word for me as my business is about helping women uncover their unique path. So many of those paths are formed by single steps. Some deliberate, some accidental, some divinely led, some requiring a u-turn. All though, must involve the action of walking.

    Thank you for this reminder! Blessings to you,

    Kim

    Reply
    • Strategic Monk
      October 17, 2012

      Thank you, Kim!

      We continue to take new steps each day, and the days continue to be woven together in the tapestry of our pilgrimage. Each of us creates our own pilgrimage, and together our journeys become the overarching story.

      Each step tells the story.

      Reply

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