Slow Forward Motion

This winter I’m pet-sitting a dog and two cuddly cats in Colorado. It’s a wonderful landing spot after a tumultuous year. 

Winter in Colorado is quiet. I’m working on stories, starting new projects, and getting outside for some hikes and bike rides. I’m leaning into balanced commitments and healthy habits. I spend time cooking good food and playing with the animals.

Most of the things I’m working on right now are multi-month or multi-year projects. If I stop to think about how little I accomplish each day compared with what I want to complete in the long run, it gets scary. Then I remind myself of a quote I keep on my computer:

“The best way to get somewhere is to move in that direction a little bit every day.”

I have no idea where this quote came from, and it’s entirely possible that I made it up one day when I was panicking! But it has a fantastic impact on my mood. And I believe it.

Based on some quick internet math, it took me over a million pedal strokes to ride the 2,700-mile Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail, and over 2 million steps to hike the 1100-mile Florida Trail. Neither of those were fast journeys. They were slow and steady. They took time.

The true reality of any long adventure is methodical, sustained, forward motion. It’s remarkably similar to the pursuit of any long-term goal.

Slow forward motion isn’t glamorous, but it is powerful. It’s a daily commitment to a future you believe in, but can’t yet see. Slow forward motion is a form of magic. It takes you across mountains, across time, or anywhere you want to go. 

For those of you who are moving forward in tiny increments this winter: I’m toasting you with my coffee cup! We’ve got this. (Slowly.)

The Florida Trail, 2022. After only a couple million steps I made it!