I spent three days in Cinque Terre, Italy. It’s a string of small centuries-old villages along the coast of rugged, tree dense mountains on the north-west side of the country. Five towns, each unique in their make up, are built onto the cliffs’ side. Homes, stacked on top of one another, are the most vibrant colors.

There are only two ways to get from town to town, take the train or hike. The Airbnb where I stayed was between towns. Anytime I wanted to go anywhere I only had one choice: to take a 30-minute hike to the next train station/town. From the balcony of my room at the Airbnb, this trek looked daunting. I could see the next town of Corniglia away in the distance. The mountains between us covered by shrubbery weaved in and out of view. From afar, no path could be seen. It looked as though I would need a Boonie hat with netting and a hatchet to carve my way through the mountainside. It appeared as untouched, wild, land that I would most definitely be ill-equipped for.

Like this mountain, life’s problems tend to feel the same. Larger than life and too hard to handle. Your struggles feel like no one on this Earth could understand what you’re going through; that it’s untouched land and there is no way through it. From afar, it’s impenetrable. Alone it’s impassable.

Looking at the mountainside I saw the town through the smog. That was my destination–on the other end of the mountain. Although I didn’t know what this journey had in store for me, I knew that I had to make it through. On that side were food, a beautiful city, and adventure. I focused on the goal.

As I began my journey, I noticed a small trail. Along this trail were steps and, further, railings and signs. Other people had been here and made it through. I wasn’t the first to pass and I wouldn’t be the last. The steps that had come before me, guided me along the way, ensuring me a safe journey and every step that I took solidified the trail. It confirmed that this path is safe for future hikers. My steps told them, “come this way, it is safe.”

The mountain didn’t seem so scary anymore. It was no longer as daunting a task as it had seemed from my balcony. Yes, the trail was hard (full of rocky uneven almost vertical steps for 50 meters at a time) but taking a closer look showed me a safe way through.

Our problems have a similar impact on us. We keep them inside and slowly but surely become overwhelmed, not knowing that those around us are going or have been through the same thing. There is a way through your problem as well. You do not have to go through it alone. Tell those you trust and let someone help you find your way. And when you finally see the town of Corniglia and look back at your balcony on the other side of those rugged mountains, you can tell the hikers behind you to “keep going, there is a safe way out.”

Tori F. Baby

#livehappii

#traveler