Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain."
A few years ago, I sat on the edge of the water and picked up a pebble. I wanted one that would be dark and gloomy...one that seemed to embody the specific fear I'd held within me for far too long. Once I found a rock that seemed to fit, I held the pebble and squeezed my hand tight. I prayed that I would be able to release my fear once and for all...through prayer, and as a symbolic physical gesture, when I threw the rock to the depths of the water. I imagined all the feelings and thoughts that could possibly remind me of that fear, and then I pretended they were leaving my body and filling the rock. With a final 'amen' I drew my hand back and threw the pebble as far as I could. I watched my "fear" and everything negative that went with it sink to the bottom of the lake. I was free. I felt peace. It felt good enough to repeat with another fear...and another...and then a regret...and then another. I tried to think of more to get off my chest, but eventually I could think of nothing more I wanted to let go. I was at peace. I felt reflective. I felt hope.
When I came across the quote regarding pebbles preventing you to cross your mountain and not the mountain tripping you up, I decided I need to make another change. I don't have many regrets or sins or fears that I need to fill pebbles with and throw into deep water, but I certainly have things that I DON'T do consistently that I would like to. Why should I worry about it? Because I, like many others, would love to be perfect one day. I'd love to be remembered as successful- someone who achieved all she could possibly have achieved during her life on this earth. So the next step would be to determine what exactly is 'perfect?'
I believe that we are perfect when we are habitually living in the manner we deem 'right.' I think I live a good life- I do most of the things I think I should most of the time...but what would I attain if I did ALL the things I think I should ALL of the time? I don't mean the things other people tell you to do, or things you feel guilted into doing, I mean things- habits- that you've wanted to master but you haven't yet. What if we actually 'practiced' perfection?
As I began reading The Habit Factor, I was thrilled with each realization that washed over me. This is the next step I need to take. If I want to work towards perfection, I need to either create (or at very least 'firm up') positive habits that would lead me toward my goals. PRACTICE perfection! It sounds so simple!
I determined that I will use this year to enhance my good habits further, and tear down some of the more negative habits in my life to replace them with positive ones. I'm excited. I'm hopeful. I feel like I'm back on that shoreline trying to pick out the exact pebble to start with...the pebble that will make the biggest difference in my life and the lives of those around me. Time to start tossing those pebbles out of my path and find out what's actually on the other side of this mountain. You with me? :-)
