The Descent

Here in the park is its namesake mountain, Gros Morne, and unsurprisingly climbers of this landmark will tell you to get an early start, bring plenty of water, and make sure your hiking boots are well worn in. Then they’ll tell you about stunning views of Bonne Bay and big skies (on a clear day of course) that make it all worth it. What can come as a surprise is that the descent trail can be even more challenging than the Way Up. It’s loose shale and deadly if it’s wet. It’s slow, dangerous work and not for the faint hearted.

When life hands you a Big Challenge we often speak of it as though ‘you’ve got a mountain to climb’ with ‘each step being harder than the last’. That is true. If you’re lucky and tenacious enough to reach the Top, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy some stunning views of your own along with a strong sense of accomplishment. You also might feel exhausted. Burnt out. Sore nervous system instead of sore calves. And then the only trail before you is the descent. That might feel like failure or loss, and that’s ok. That Way Down can be more difficult than your quest for the summit. The mountain peak slowly disappearing with every cautious step you take. You can feel out of control even. It is, however, sometimes the only trail that will take you from where you are to where you are destined to be.

The summit is not the only Good Place, remember. It’s beautiful and grand but it can also be cold, harsh, and lonely. Once you do finally reach the end of your descent, look around and see that there are blessings in the valley. There is protection from the wind, lush vegetation, comfort. Reaching the Valley is an accomplishment, too. So I say? Celebrate the Way Down, acknowledge that making the decision to walk (or jump) won’t feel secure, it won’t feel safe, and you may lose your footing. When you get there, set up base camp and rest because the next Big Challenge is just around the corner. Better break in some new boots.