Some say that, in order to know the future, you must know and remember the past…

That’s stupid.

I take a much more “Hakuna Matata” kind of approach. Your past is your past, and it needs to be put behind you. If your past is full of good memories and awesome times, that’s great! You should never quit. Keep doing incredible things.

If your past is full of darkness, ugly people, and horrible experiences, I understand. That being said, a past like that should be forgotten and left in the dust of your shoes forever.

The only purpose that your past serves is to spring you forward. Last year, my father-in-law, a couple of my brothers-in-law, and I all went and hiked across the Grand Canyon in a couple of days.

 

The experience was probably the hardest thing I have ever done and was also absolutely amazing. The beautiful scenery, trail food, long talks, great company, and astounding weather all combined to make a truly unforgettable experience. That picture is still on my desktop background as one of my favorites from that trip.

I think it would be very easy for me to assume that the Grand Canyon is the best hike I will probably ever take. It might even be safe to assume that, in lieu of a pending adoption, I may not be able to do that again until my child is old enough to come with me. The point that those assumptions become dangerous is when I decide to not take any more trips or hikes until that point. Excuses tend to creep in that say, “I already took a big trip this year.” “I’m still recovering from the last one…” “You can’t travel like that again so soon after a vacation.”

The trip was awesome. Why stop there? Your past is intended to provide you a path forward…a vision. My wife and I are headed to China in two weeks and I couldn’t be more excited. I got an idea in my head yesterday for an overseas trip next year as well that we’ve already started talking about.

“Down is optional. Up is mandatory.” – Grand Canyon Trail Sign

Keep looking outward and moving forward. Each step to the top of a hill could lead to an even bigger mountain in the distance. Look back occasionally and see the hills you’ve climbed already, but that doesn’t help you with the rest of the way. Will we ever get to the top? Gosh, I hope not. I’m having way too much fun on the trip up.

– Andrew