by William Taboas, M.A.
I am currently writing this entry while on vacation, and I’m sure my co-workers and co-fellows would find that ludicrous. Regardless, being on vacation doesn’t mean that I do not have any responsibilities to fulfill when I get back! Typically, I dread and avoid tackling some of these responsibilities, since I view them as low-rewarding chores. But there are a few thoughts and moments I want to share. They took place atop of a hiking trail on the Nevada state line, overlooking Lake Tahoe.
As I was hiking up the steep and curved trail from the base of Lake Tahoe to the top of the mountain in search for Marlette Lake, I took a moment to look back at the view of the lake, mountains, and forest. The view was breathtaking. I could see the mountainous expanse suspending over the lake, the blue-turquoise hue contrasting against the forest green and the cloudless sky. I was present in the moment, and I was enjoying every small detail of my surroundings. Then, I was taken aback by a feeling that has been foreign to me for some time. While stopping for a breather and taking the view in, I experienced a moment of mental relief.
After two hours of hiking, and knowing I had another two hours left, I began to view the trail with a new perspective. The hike no longer felt arduous, but instead, was immeasurably enjoyable. The view was worth the trek. The change in perspective (both literally and figuratively) made my past, current, and imminent efforts much more enjoyable. The months of work- and family-related stress made this view worth the labor, and now I have a clearer vantage point of how to enjoy my tasks.
Even as I write this (yet, another task) I’m enjoying the moment. I’m reminiscing about Saturday’s hike. I am writing about an experience where the principles of REBT were clear and apparent. I am participating in an activity that provides professional and personal fulfillment. I am enjoying the little things and every moment, such as the little things during that hike that changed my view as much as the intellectual and vocational aspects of writing this blog entry.
But this is not where my journey ends; alas, I still have some work to do, even during my vacation. However, my view of my obligations changed on the top of that trail. Instead of focusing on the dread and stress that typically accompanies certain impending tasks and chores, I started to feel energized and motivated to complete the items on the docket.
There are similar tasks that I have to finish to “earn” my next vacation. But like I said, my view of the tasks changed. I am currently viewing these tasks as part of a bigger picture. They are part of the career that I always wanted to have, they are in line with the values I wish to pursue, and they are an opportunity to grow as a human being. While some of these can feel burdensome, they are not burdens in and of themselves. By the same token, I am not deluding myself and calling them “blessings” either, but I recognize that they are bits and pieces of the larger view of my life. They are pieces of the bigger picture that I value and hold dear. I have to work on the bigger picture, the same way I had to hike up a steep trail to enjoy the beautiful landscape and the view of the lake.
Your tasks, burdens, obligations, or impediments are yours to bear. They are, and with no doubt, substantially different from every other person you encounter. That being said, you can choose to bear them with resolve or with dread. You can choose your view of what’s ahead of you, and by the same token, you can choose your view of the efforts and moments (both big and small) that have taken you to reach this very moment in time in your personal journey hiking your own mountain. I choose to view my seemingly “arduous” hike up a mountain as enjoyable, as it has led me to be present with my surroundings and at peace with my goal-oriented obligations.
Take a deep breath. Count to five. Can you reflect on a moment where you actually enjoyed a burden, task, or chore – particularly when others would not? Take another deep breath and count to five. When was the last time that you enjoyed the moment?
