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On a cool clear morning in mid-October some friends and I decided to hike up to The Pool near the Fern Lake trailhead. The hike is a relatively short one but stunningly beautiful nonetheless. While we made the very gradual climb under the breathtaking blue sky we listened to the roar of the Big Thompson beside us. There are many beautiful rock formations along this path and I have no doubt my friends were enjoying the view around them. One of my companions noted that the trail was nearly covered in aspen leaves. As fall was drawing to a close, the aspens were rapidly shedding their few remaining leaves in preparation for the coming winter. It always amazes me that no matter when winter decides to make its grand entrance be it early or late, the deciduous trees always seem to know when it is time to let go. The trees seem to understand that though their beautiful leaves are withering and falling there will be an opportunity for new growth with the coming of spring.
The trees offer us a powerful lesson. Knowing when to let go in so many different aspects is an important life lesson that not quite everyone completely understands. Saying goodbye, letting go, and moving on are important factors in a serene existence. Perhaps the hardest aspect is letting go of the past. This is not to be confused with forgetting the past or the lessons that came with it. Rather, it is knowing when the time has come to not let your past chain you down and hold you back from a wonderful present and, hopefully, an even brighter future. Letting go of a difficult past can be a true challenge, especially if the past was a traumatic one. Some may even need the love and support of others in order to fully let go but it must be done no matter how long it takes. Another example of a time to let go is letting someone go. This could be a child turned young adult about to set out on their own journey or it could be a former love that has gone in a different direction. In either of these cases or other related ones letting go is paramount not only for your own peace of mind but for the other person’s wellbeing as well. Then there is always the loss of a loved one who has passed on to the hereafter. This can be a particularly difficult time to let go but we must nonetheless. We mourn the deceased, cherish their memory, and with time we carry on with our lives in a manner that would honor the ones we buried. I think now of the mistakes and hardships of my own past, the romances that did not blossom quite as expected, and the friends and family that I have had to say goodbye to. Very little of this came easy for me just as it was difficult for all mankind to endure. However, because I have let go I am where and what I am today. I have found peace, satisfaction, and serenity. I am young enough and wise enough to know there will be much more letting go to do on my life journey. Then, just as in my past, it will be difficult but because of what the mountains and forests have taught me I will endure for soon the new growth will come.
As we continue along the trail I take in the perfect moment in which I am a part of. I feel a warm peaceful sense about me. I know it cannot last forever and I know life was not designed to be easy. With this knowledge I will endeavor to do the best I can and deal with the hardships life will occasionally offer up as they come. In these mountains I believe I have found the greatest friend, companion, and therapist any one person could ever ask for.
