I learnt a lot about life from hiking the Grand Canyon and Yosemite.

Hiking is not a competition. Go at your own pace. In national parks, there are so many routes: scenic, athletic, challenging, photographic, contemplative and lonely trails. Choose what works for you, based on how much time you have to explore and your level of physical fitness. Choose a partner who wants to tread a similar trail. But, if you must, don’t be afraid to experience the great outdoors on your own.

On your journey, look out for trail markers – those stones that are stacked on top of each other. They are used on rocky trails to show the way, when there’s no well-worn path. In life, those trail markers are your values, principles and growing knowledge base. If you lose your way, backtrack to your last known destination to find your trail marker.

Listen to instructions before you set off on your journey. Every new trail has unknown features. Learn what you can, before you proceed.

Travel light. Remember everything you take into a park must leave with you. You mustn’t litter expecting others to pick up your mess.

[bctt tweet=”Like life, hiking is not a competition. Go at your own pace.” username=”subomiplumptre”]

[bctt tweet=”On your life journey, look out for trail markers – your values and principles.” username=”subomiplumptre”]