If you can make it through the night, there is a brighter day" - Tupac Shakur
"Trust and start walking. We are not alone in the dark, our path will unfold as we move" - Paulo Coelho
What seems like a lifetime ago now, I was a participant in the official LAFD CPAT obstacle course. One requirement of the course is wearing a 70lb weighted vest and throughout the course, with the exception the beginning. You start with a three minute stair climb rocking a 50lb vest, if you touch the hand rails at anytime, you fail. Almost forgot to mention it's a timed event, with the second half needing to be completed under 3 minutes and 30 seconds to pass.
One of the simplest yet trickiest obstacles was a u- shaped box you have to crawl through incomplete darkness. Certain areas in the box had pieces of wood that add to the challenge, forcing you to navigate them by either going over or under them, while never see them. A lot of people don't make it past this obstacle.
The instructors do go over each obstacle on the course and give you a vital piece of advice specifically on navigating the box, "Find The Wall".
There I was tired, sweaty, breathing heavy, surrounded by darkness ready to to freak out and thinking about giving up. It took a few seconds to gather myself. Then it happened, I remembered what the instructors said, I found the wall. With my hand on the wall, I was able to navigate my way out successfully. Something that helped me get my bearings, was hearing the instructors voices outside, cheering us on.
Life is similar to the obstacle course, you know you only have a short time to complete it, with no countdown clock. You have to keep moving forward before time expires. Life is filled with all types of obstacles, and dreaded boxes that feel impossible to get through.
When you find yourself in one of life's obstacle boxes surrounded by darkness, disorientated, confused, hopeless and ready to give up, pause. Take a breathe, clear your mind, gain control over your thoughts and emotions. Take in the surroundings and listen.
Listen for the inner voice reminding you that you are capable, telling you there is life and light outside the box. Hear the sound of the voices cheering you on, wanting you to succeed, reminding you there is a way through, telling you to find the wall.
Where ever life takes you: Do you | Dream Big | Stay Solid
Much Love