Perhaps it’s the extended fall-like weather we’ve experienced, or evidence of getting older, but I’m having a hard time believing it’s December, let alone the end of another year.
It was during one of those end-of-day, mindless searches on the phone that made me realize just how much can happen in 12 months. Over 1,000 pictures reminding me of the many life experiences had! Sure, most reflect the good times, but each moment also has a backstory.
Among the many photos, one really made me pause for reflection. It wasn’t a particularly good picture. In fact, the action shot was a little bit blurry and the fine details were lost without the use of a zoom. But, it was enough to dust off the neurons holding that memory for me.
This picture was of my daughter, running her little heart out as she approached the finish line during the Girls on the Run 5K. Like I said, it wasn’t the best picture in terms of quality, but what it did highlight was the human capacity to endure challenges.
Flash back four months from the date of this picture and there was a kid whose record run was 3 miles. And this was only slightly longer than the single other self-initiated run she had been on. As you can see, committing to this event did not start with a long history of training, nor a high level of confidence.
To top things off, someone signed her up for lacrosse, at the same time. Back-to-back practices, twice a week, for months. It was a lot to bear for someone who wasn’t quite physically or mentally prepared.
The remainder of this story you already know. The situation, the people and the timing may differ, but somewhere along the line, you have experienced the joy, and dread, of challenge. Not just throughout 2021, but also during every other year of your life.
Emotions associated with experience, both pleasant and unpleasant, tend to help memories stick. As such, you may clearly remember the icky parts of being in a challenging situation. These are hardly the memories to encourage us to take on a new challenge, or embrace them when they land in our lap.
That’s what makes the slightly imperfect finish-line photo so amazing. It’s a symbolic reminder that we can progress through challenge, and experience the joy of accomplishment.
As we straddle the precipice of another calendar year, you may be looking back reliving some of the challenges you had, or continue to have. Find comfort in knowing that in your race to the finish line, you’re almost there.
Granted, those three words provided little relief to my daughter when she asked for the umpteenth time how much farther to the finish line. With an air of defeat, she replied, “You said that last time.” But these words remain true each time they are spoken. Every step gets you a little closer and more experience.
Experience becomes an invaluable tool for any challenge. We get better at problem-solving, a crucial approach for any challenge. When it starts to feel overwhelming, start by breaking up the problem into manageable pieces, acquire necessary support, ask questions, focus on small successes along the way, and one other thing. See yourself crossing the finish line. With that, your challenge becomes less challenging. You may be surprised to find that the thing you once called difficult, is now something you intentionally seek out.
Here’s wishing you the happiest of holidays, and the capacity to manage the challenges that accompany this thing called life.
Nicole Clark is the family and consumer science agent for the La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nicole.clark@colostate.edu or 382-6461.
