(Suspension bridge. Trough Creek State Park, PA. December 2007. © Robin)
Every year that I live I am more convinced that the waste of life lies in the love we have not given, the powers we have not used, the selfish prudence which will risk nothing, and which, shirking pain, misses happiness as well.
~ Mary Cholomondeley
When it comes to hiking, I’d just as soon bypass the suspension bridges, the kind usually put together with ropes or, in the case of the one above, linked iron bars and metal chains. I always think of them as swinging bridges because that’s what they do when you’re walking across them.
While out on one of the short hikes we took during my birthday trip, I stalled for a while using photography as an excuse to avoid crossing this bridge. The surface was a little slick from snow and ice, and I could clearly see the bridge doing it’s bounce and swing thing as M crossed it. I thought about not crossing it at all.
But with M waiting on the other side, I decided to put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Once across I started to think about how I’d have to cross the bridge again to get back. I was about to go into a small panic until I realized that thinking ahead that way would spoil the journey I had just made as well as the one I was currently involved in. So I set aside all thoughts of the future crossing as I continued on, enjoying where I was in each moment as it came.
As for crossing the bridge again, it wasn’t nearly as hard the second time. In fact, it was almost fun.
Thank you for the snow that is falling as I read this post, and while I am posting this comment. You knew I was wishing for snow, and you gave it to me here — Thank you! (even if you really didn’t intend to give it to just me – it is still a nice thought to think you did)
I feel the same way as you about suspension bridges! (Shall we add it to the list?)
As I read this post, it seemed to scream out a hidden meaning to me, which after yesterday I needed the message. It is not that it was a bad day, for it was not… it is just that I came to a sad realization that is still to fresh to even think about let about talk about… but I did want to say that this post helped… so again Thank you!
I am at the beginning of that suspension bridge — with one foot in front of the other, with cautious steps I will cross … I won’t allow thoughts of fear prevent me from enjoying the moments awarded to me now.
Great photo, great words Robin…
R(etc…)
You may not be much for celebrating, but your blog looks very festive! Keep putting one foot in front of the other, Robin; your bravery inspires others.
The more it snows
(tiddly Pom)
The more it goes
(tiddly Pom)
The more it goes
(tiddly Pom)
On snowing.
And nobody knows
(tiddly Pom)
How cold my toes
(tiddly Pom)
How cold my toes
(tiddly Pom)
Are growing.
Truddle: I’m glad you’re enjoying the snow. You can thank WordPress for that.
There’s hidden meaning in this post for me, too. And yes, let’s add suspension bridges to the list…for now.
R(etc…): Thank you.
Amuirin: I don’t generally think of myself as an inspiration, but if you say so…
I should send you a pair of the Best Socks in the Universe for those cold toes.
A lesson well shared. We are easily persuaded to not do what we want to do because of fear. It’s a fun shot, but I myself would have trepidations. I hope I would choose to cross.
Suspension bridges don’t scare me. I had to cross a big one in Ithaca, NY every day of my senior year. Setting goals scares me b/c I fear trying to keep them. One step at a time, I suppose. BTW, how did you make it snow here?
Thanks, Barbara. Just a guess, but I think you’d cross.
Alto2: WordPress provided the snow. Go to Extras and it gives you the snow option. It’s good for a short time (until January 2nd, I believe).
Ew, I don’t like bridges. And suspension ones are especially scary. I’m so happy to hear you conquered your fear and crossed the bridge — twice! It’s a gorgeous shot. How cool to find such a bridge during your hike.
Thanks, Ybonesy. I don’t know if I could do it again, but it’s good to know I could manage across and back at least once.
Just like life. If we worry too much about what we will encounter or what will happen on the way, we won’t enjoy the trip or the destination. You are full of good things to remember! Thank you for the reminder. I’ve learned this lesson, I just don’t always remember it.
I missed this somehow. Wow… The best socks in the universe? Woah.
*regards tootsies critically*
I’m not sure they’re worthy.
Very true, Corina. I do that all too frequently — worry about what’s ahead rather than just enjoy the moment. I’m working on remembering that lesson too.
Amuirin: I’m sure they are.