I recently took a trip back home to experience the International Balloon Fiesta. While there, I decided to fit in a few hikes, including one along the 10K Trail in Cibola National Forest.

I’ve been fortunate to go on some incredible hikes lately, but this one definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. To get there, I had to drive nearly 40 minutes up a steep, winding road with visibility of barely ten feet because of heavy fog. “Nervous and mildly uncomfortable” would be an understatement — I was terrified. But I kept driving.

When I finally reached the park entrance, there was only one other car in the lot. The “Beware of Bears” sign on the restroom didn’t exactly boost my confidence either. Still, I laced up my boots and started the trail.

At first, I moved quickly—probably out of fear more than excitement. But as I climbed higher into the mountains, a sense of peace began to settle over me. I slowed down, took a deep breath, and started to truly take in my surroundings. The forest was quiet, the air crisp, and the view—absolutely breathtaking. At the summit, I looked out over the city of Albuquerque and felt pure awe.

Had I turned back at any point, I would have missed that view, that moment, that reminder.

It made me think about how often we stop short when things get hard or uncomfortable. Sometimes the fog feels too thick, the climb too steep, or the unknown too intimidating. But just ahead—often closer than we realize—something beautiful is waiting.

So this week, try something that challenges you. Take that step you’ve been avoiding because it feels too hard or too uncertain. You might just discover something amazing on the other side.

Weekly Movement Motivation!

Onward & Upward my Friends…