I Got My Butt Kicked On Saturday’s Hike
Cerro De La Mesa — “Table Hill” — in the background. It looked a LOT bigger when we were closer to it!
This past weekend, my partner and I had a rare opportunity to sneak away for a night without the kids. We headed to Lagos de Moreno in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It was a charming town with beautiful churches and historic buildings, but if I’m being honest, I prefer nature to architecture.
With no kids in tow, we decided to go hiking—despite the afternoon heat and sunlight, which often give me headaches. January weather made it tolerable, and armed with wide-brimmed hats, we set out to explore Cerro de La Mesa, a nearby flat-topped mountain that looks like a giant table.
The Climb Up: Humbling to Say the Least
The hike was short but very steep. And let me tell you, I was shocked at how quickly I became out of breath. It was humbling, to say the least. There were no other hikers around, which made the slow pace a little less embarrassing.
But once we reached the summit, the effort felt worth it. The trail flattened out, winding through tall grasses, and we soaked in the expansive views. On the far side of the summit, we found a large wooden cross and encountered a group of three pilgrims who had climbed up the other side. After exchanging polite greetings and snapping some photos, we headed back down.
The Aftermath: Totally Exhausted
Back in town, I took a much-needed shower before we walked a few more kilometers to and from dinner (to avoid the hassle of parking in the city center). By the end of the night, I was completely wiped out.
The hike was a reality check: I thought I was in better shape than this!
Aging, Progress, and Grace
Here’s the thing: no matter how much we work on our health, we’re all aging. Most of us aren’t in the shape we wish we were. But rather than fixating on what we can’t do (yet), I think it’s more productive to:
Celebrate what we have accomplished.
Get excited about what’s ahead.
For me, I’m reminding myself that I’ve only been exercising post-surgery for about a month, apart from walking. My goal now? To be stronger by the time our family trip to Costa Rica rolls around in May.
Shifting the Narrative
Instead of beating ourselves up for not being where we wish we were, let’s reframe the conversation. What if we spoke to ourselves the way we’d talk to our kids? Would we criticize, or would we celebrate their progress while encouraging their efforts?
I’m choosing to celebrate that hike—because I showed up, pushed myself, and made memories with my partner. And I’m choosing to set a goal that excites me rather than one that shames me.
What About You?
What’s your celebration this week? What’s your goal for the week ahead?
Let’s let go of the self-criticism and focus on what we are doing. Whether you’re climbing mountains (literally or figuratively) or just making small steps toward a healthier life, it’s worth celebrating.
It wouldn’t be Mexico without a cross at the summit. That’s a man on a religious pilgrimage next to it.
