Yesterday as I was walking along, I got to thinking about why I like long distance walking. I realized it is a lot like teaching, which I loved, but then I realized it is also very like life in general.

You start with an objective and you make your plan. Our objective was to walk from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. The way we did it was to get up one day at a time and step by step, walk. Some days were easy and some days were incredibly hard. Some days our packs felt light and other days we wondered how they got so much heavier. But step by step we completed each day’s journey.

It helps to have a map and a guidebook. Sometimes you follow every turn, sometimes you strike out in a different direction, but always you can be surprised by where the path takes you.

It helps to have a companion with you. Someone to walk side by side with you, sometimes taking the lead, sometimes following. Always there to consult with when your path is not clear.

It helps to have footprints to follow to show the way, especially when you come upon the boggy parts. And there will always be boggy parts. You can choose to follow the footprints or choose your own way, but the footprints are reassuring you that someone else has passed this way.

It helps to have someone encouraging you and celebrating your little accomplishments along the way. Even if they aren’t physically waiting for you at the top of that steep climb, you know they are there mentally cheering you on and that thought will keep you going.

It helps to get to know the other people on the trail. Whether it is just someone passing the other way that stops to talk or someone you see for several days. You commiserate and laugh together. You are left with a good feeling as you bid each other have a safe trip and enjoy the walk.

Even the people you meet that aren’t walking your path show great kindness. Like a girl hurrying to catch a bus but takes the time to stop and point you in the right direction or the countless people that take you into their home and feed you and make sure you are comfortable, then set you on the right path the next day. Sure that may be their business, but their kindness is genuine and appreciated.

At first it seems disconcerting to see others passing you by on the trail and you wonder what their rush is. Are they enjoying the walk? Are they taking time to notice all the wondrous little things? But then you remember everyone travels at their own pace and makes their own journey. And besides, as we age our pace slows down and it is a luxury to have the time to stop and stare or just sit and enjoy the birdsong. Younger people have so many places to go and things to do. The important thing is to just keep moving, whatever your pace. Day by day, step by step. Eventually you will get there.