Sometimes, not looking too far ahead

will help us reach our goal.

Everyone was excited to go on the outing that had been described as “a climb up a hill.” To me, it sounded more like a mountain. Hill or mountain, we were supposed to climb it. After years of sitting in front of computers, I was definitely not in shape to undertake such a climb. But there was no way I was going to give up and admit defeat. So to the slope, I went.

Rather than looking up and trying to gauge how much further I had to go, I focused on taking the next step. No more than that. Just . . . the . . . next . . . step. And so I pressed on, one step at a time. After what seemed like an eternity, I reached the top. And it reinforced an invaluable lesson about challenges.

Don’t be overwhelmed by how long something might take.

Don’t look too far ahead and give in to doubt.

Just keep taking the next step. Gradually, doubts, fears, and worries will recede as you become absorbed in your task. And, with time, you will reach your goal.

Constant mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha . . .